The utility of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in determining s
tructural parameters, through analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fin
e structure (EXAFS), and electronic perturbations, through a white line ana
lysis of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), is demonstrated
for Pt/C. PtRu/C and PtMo/C fuel cell electrodes. The results provide verif
ication that the enhancement of CO tolerance of the alloy catalysts occurs
via an intrinsic mechanism for the PtRu alloy, whilst a promotion mechanism
is in operation for the PtMo alloy. Preliminary results of an in situ powd
er X-ray diffraction (XRD) method which utilises synchrotron radiation (SR)
and a curved image plate detector are also presented, using Pd/C as an exa
mple. The lattice expansion upon formation of the P-hydride is clearly obse
rved. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.