Advanced experimental approach to model studies of supported metal particle systems

An ambitious experimental system is described which is characterized by tot al instrumental integration of surface, high-resolution microscopy, and cat alytic reaction measurements. The design of this system is based upon an ef fective combination of different methodic approaches to catalytic model stu dies that have been used successfully but usually independently in the past . The combination of individually sophisticated experimental techniques has been possible because of major recent advances in the transportation and m anipulation of samples in UHV environments. The advantages gained by the ap plication of this experimental approach to the controlled preparation and a nalysis of particulate metal deposits on a variety of flat and electron tra nsparent refractory oxide supports are discussed. Also, the opportunities c reated by integrated measurements of gas exposures and catalytic reactions at low and high pressures are explored. As a result, catalytic model studie s can be moved closer to their ultimate goal of assisting in the developmen t of improved real world catalysts of technological importance.