Time-resolved XAFS/XRD study of low-temperature WGS catalysts : effect of cesium substitution on the structure, stability and performance.

The aim of this investigation is to determine the effect of addition of Cs ions in Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts widely used for low-temperature water-gas shift (LT-WGS) reaction. In particular, we aim to determine the conditions that lead to particle sintering during the initial activation procedure, specifically in presence of H2/H2O at various partial pressures, and how Cs concentration affect the stability and sintering properties of the catalyst. In order to do this, we require combined XRD/XAS/PDF methods as it provides direct information the long range order present in the catalyst and at the same time observing both copper and Zinc K-edge through X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the short range and electronic structures of this system, under in situ operando conditions.