Material Characterization

Catalyst Characterization Expertise

An important advantage of working with ActiveSite on catalyst characterization is the expertise in catalysis and the test methods being used. By consolidating characterization services to one entity, ActiveSite strives to simplify material characterization services for the market. Consult our team for specific characterization services, or for standard characterization please see our pricing sheet (link). Material characterization is a valuable tool not only for product quality control, but also critical when performing deactivation studies and failure analysis of spent catalysts. ActiveSite works with customers to select the right characterization for their specific problem and to interpret results in comprehensive reports.

In addition, ActiveSite offers reaction testing services that complement the analytical testing, and consulting services.

ASTM D6175 – Radial crush strength of extruded catalyst and catalyst particles

ASTM D7084-04 – Determination of bulk crush strength of catalysts and catalyst carriers

ASTM D4058-97 – Rotating drum attrition and abrasion test of catalysts and catalyst carriers

3-point BET surface area analysis

Single point BET surface area analysis

40-point BET/BJH – standard multi-point BET conducted using nitrogen as adsorbate, results in surface area and pore size distribution

Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR)/ Oxidation (TPO) – for determining oxidation state

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) / Carbon Monoxide (CO) oxidation activity test

Lewis / Bronsted acid site characterization via IR

Total acidity – ammonia TPD

Pulsed Chemisorption - Metal particle size

Static Chemisorption - Metal particle size

Particle Size (Laser light scattering / sieve stack) - Powder particle size

Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM)

In-Situ XRD - diffraction with a controlled gas environment and temperature

Powdered X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) -Diffraction measurements at ambient temperature in air

X-Ray Photo Electron Spectroscopy (XPS) - Metal oxidation state.

Flame Atomic Adsorption - Metal concentration

ICP-OES - Metal concentration

Slurry phase reactor testing

Fixed bed reactor testing

Hydrogenation

Hydrodeoxygenation

Lindlar Replacement

Nitrile Formation

Esterification

CuCr Replacement Catalysts

Fatty Acids & Fatty Alcohols

Dehydrogenation

Hydrodechlorination

Partial Oxidation

CO2 Upgrading

Ulman Condensation

Alkylation

Reductive Amination

VOC Destruction

Why does characterization data matter when selecting or troubleshooting a catalyst? What can it tell you that performance data alone can’t?

Performance data tells you what happened, whether conversion dropped or selectivity shifted, but it doesn’t provide an explanation as to why it happened. Characterization can show whether the active surface area decreased, or something is blocking active sites, or whether the catalyst never had the right structure to begin with. Characterization ties physical structure to observed performance to highlight characteristics that can be tuned for better product.

Can you compare fresh vs. spent catalyst data to pinpoint the deactivation mechanism?

ActiveSite has extensive experience doing this. We continue to provide this service to new and returning customers.

What does BET surface area actually tell you about catalyst performance, and what are its limitations?

BET surface area measures the total available surface for reaction. Generally, more surface area means more potential active sites, which is why it is one of the first numbers people look at. However, BET surface area is a bulk average that cannot tell how much of that surface is actually active phase versus bare support, or whether pores are accessible enough for reactants.

Can you support pilot-scale trials before committing to full production volumes?

Yes. We routinely support pilot-scale runs to validate activity, selectivity, and attrition behavior under actual operating conditions. This step regularly catches issues that bench-scale testing alone often misses. We work with our customers to design a trial protocol, supply appropriately sized batches, and interpret the data together so scale-up decisions are based on their process.

ActiveSite provides comprehensive catalyst and material characterization services to evaluate material properties, performance, quality, and potential deactivation mechanisms.
Standard characterization methods include BET surface area analysis, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), chemisorption, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and additional analytical techniques.
Characterization services support catalyst development, product quality control, troubleshooting, spent catalyst analysis, and failure investigations.
ActiveSite combines expertise in catalysis with analytical testing, reaction testing, and consulting to help customers select appropriate methods, interpret results, and make informed decisions about catalyst performance.

MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION SERVICES

Catalyst Characterization Expertise

Standard Characterization Services