Diffusion scanning electron microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy and other experimental methods indicate that the void spaces in a typical catalyst particle are not uniform in size, shape, or length. Moreover, they are often highly interconnected. Because of the complexities of most common pore structures, detailed mathematical descriptions of the void structure are not available. Moreover, because of other uncertainties involved in the design of catalytic reactors, the use of elaborate quantitative models of catalyst pore structures is not warranted. What is required, however, is a model that allows one to take into account the rates of diffusion of reactant and product species through the void spaces. Many of the models in common use simulate the void regions as cylindrical pores for such models a knowledge of the distribution of pore radii and the volumes associated therewith is required. 

For the detailed study of reaction-transport interactions in the porous catalytic layer, the spatially 3D model computer-reconstructed washcoat section can be employed (Koci et al., 2006, 2007a). The structure of porous catalyst support is controlled in the course of washcoat preparation on two levels (i) the level of macropores, influenced by mixing of wet supporting material particles with different sizes followed by specific thermal treatment and (ii) the level of meso-/ micropores, determined by the internal nanostructure of the used materials (e.g. alumina, zeolites) and sizes of noble metal crystallites. Information about the porous structure (pore size distribution, typical sizes of particles, etc.) on the micro- and nanoscale levels can be obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy ( ), or other high-resolution imaging techniques in combination with mercury porosimetry and BET adsorption isotherm data. This information can be used in computer reconstruction of porous catalytic medium. In the reconstructed catalyst, transport (diffusion, permeation, heat conduction) and combined reaction-transport processes can be simulated on detailed level (Kosek et al., 2005). 

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in concert with x-ray energy spectrometry (XES) has been used to detect silver in pulmonary, lacrimal sac, and skin tissues of individuals with diffuse interstitial lung disease, chronic dacryocystitis, and skin disorders, respectively (Brody et al. 1978 Loeffler and Lee 1987 Tanita et al. 1985). Brody et al. (1978) observed particles of preselected lesions of human pulmonary tissue magnified to 300x by SEM, and the silver content was analyzed by XES. The authors noted that SEM and XES techniques permit a rapid and conclusive determination of silver, silver compounds, and complexes in tissue lesions. 

Fig. 7.2. The structure of the translocation pathway in mycelial cords. (A) Hyphae fanning out at the distal end of a cord of Phanerochaete velutina (scanning electron microscopy by A. Yarwood) (B) Internal structure of a cord of Serpula lacrymans, showing vessels and cytoplasm-filled hyphae and extracellular matrix material. (C) Diagram of the components of the translocation pathway (adapted from Cairney, 1992) V, vessel hypha f, foraging front a, anastomosis (D) A cord system in beech woodland showing both corded mycelium and diffuse growth in contact with the wood substrate.

The ellipsometry analysis indicated that the thickness of film 1 was fairly uniform, giving an average of 2168 A. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the film was smooth. No pattern was observed in powder X-ray diffraction of the film, indicating that the film was amorphous, a desired feature of diffusion barriers. 

The particles were deposited on the slides by in5>actation, sedimentation and diffusion. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Information on morphology and size distribution was obtained from image analysis, while the elemental composition of particles was determined by electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA). 

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