From Real Catalysis to Appropriate Model Systems

FROM REAL CATALYSIS TO APPROPRIATE MODEL SYSTEMS 

The bulk and surface properties of the industrial ammonia catalyst have been discussed in detail in the preceding chapters. For the present purpose it suffices to remember that under working conditions it consists essentially of metallic iron 

Since the potassium overlayer merely enhances the catalytic activity but is itself inactive, the first step in the reduction of the complexity of the system consists in studying the reaction as well as the individual elementary processes on clean Fe surfaces alone without the complications arising from interactions with the 

A series of subsequent papers by Somorjai et was concerned with the influence of potassium and aluminum oxide additives as well as of the oxidation/reduction conditions in order to get closer insight into the promoter action. The respective conclusions will be presented in the next chapter. 

No information about the surface intermediates present under high-pressure conditions can be obtained by the use of electron spectroscopic techniques for obvious technical reasons. If, after high-pressure treatment, the sample is trans- 

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