INFRARED THERMOGRAPHIC SCREENING OF COMBINATORIAL LIBRARIES OF HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSTS

A combinatorial library of catalyst candidates, each consisting of a d ifferent metal element supported on gamma-alumina, is screened for hyd rogen oxidation catalytic activity. Heat Liberated on the surface of a ctive catalysts by the catalyzed reaction is detected by noninvasive I R thermography. A 16-candidate library identifies four distinctly acti ve pellets, which correspond to active formulations known from the lit erature. A higher density library shows similar results, but heat and mass transport effects influence the pellet temperatures. This method may be used to screen and optimize catalyst formulations more efficien tly and quickly than current methods and may also be useful for study of operational Lifetime, resistance to poisons, and regenerability.