Time-, space- and energy-resolved in situ characterization of catalysts by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

A setup for dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with spatial, temporal and energy resolution is presented. Through investigation of a Mo/HZSM-5 catalyst during the dehydroaromatization of methane we observed a reduction gradient along the packed bed. Our new method represents an unprecedented addition to the analytical toolbox for in situ characterizations.