
Catalysis Research
In-situ catalyst characterization and reaction monitoring with DRIFTS technology for heterogeneous catalysis research.
Catalysis research demands real-time insights into catalyst behavior under actual reaction conditions. Our advanced DRIFTS (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy) solutions combine the Specac Praying Mantis accessory with Bruker INVENIO FT-IR spectrometers to provide unparalleled sensitivity and environmental control for studying heterogeneous catalysts, surface chemistry, and reaction mechanisms.
Our Solutions
Praying Mantis DRIFTS with Reaction Chamber
The gold standard for in-situ catalyst characterization, featuring high-temperature reaction chambers and precise environmental control.
- Temperature range: -196°C to 900°C with precise control
- Controlled atmosphere: vacuum to 200 bar pressure capability
- Real-time monitoring of catalyst activation, deactivation, and regeneration
- Gold-coated ellipsoidal mirrors for maximum IR throughput
- Interchangeable reaction chambers for various sample types
- Gas flow control for studying reactions under realistic conditions
- Minimal sample preparation - analyze powders directly
Bruker INVENIO FT-IR Platform
State-of-the-art FT-IR spectrometer optimized for catalysis research with exceptional sensitivity and stability.
- Superior signal-to-noise ratio for detecting surface species
- Fast scanning for time-resolved studies (up to 40 scans/second)
- Wide spectral range: 7,500 to 370 cm⁻¹
- DigiTect™ detector technology for enhanced sensitivity
- Rock Solid™ interferometer for long-term stability
- OPUS software with advanced spectral processing
- Automated data acquisition for kinetic studies
Advanced Catalyst Characterization
Comprehensive analysis of catalyst surfaces, active sites, and reaction intermediates.
- Identify surface hydroxyl groups and acid sites
- Monitor CO, NO, and hydrocarbon adsorption
- Track reaction intermediates and product formation
- Study catalyst poisoning and regeneration mechanisms
- Quantify surface coverage and binding modes
- Investigate metal-support interactions
- Characterize zeolites, metal oxides, and supported catalysts
Operando Spectroscopy
Study catalysts under actual working conditions to understand true reaction mechanisms.
- Simultaneous spectroscopic and catalytic activity measurements
- Correlate spectral changes with reaction performance
- Identify active species vs. spectator species
- Optimize reaction conditions in real-time
- Validate computational models with experimental data
- Accelerate catalyst development cycles
Compliance & Standards
Standard Practice for General Techniques for Qualitative Infrared Analysis
Sample preparation - Dispersive methods for powders
Recommended Products

INVENIO FT-IR Spectrometer
The Bruker INVENIO is a modular, research-grade FT-IR platform engineered to adapt from high-throughput routine testing to advanced multi-spectral research.

Praying Mantis™ Diffuse Reflection Accessory
The industry-standard accessory for high-efficiency diffuse reflectance (DRIFTS) analysis, uniquely engineered to provide artifact-free spectra of powders and rough solids under ambient or extreme operando conditions.

Harrick Praying Mantis™ High Temperature Reaction Chamber
A specialized in-situ environment for the Praying Mantis™ DRIFTS accessory, enabling high-precision molecular characterization of catalysts and powders at temperatures up to 910°C and under extreme pressure conditions.

Harrick Praying Mantis™ Low Temperature Reaction Chamber
A high-performance environmental cell designed for in-situ diffuse reflectance (DRIFTS) studies of catalysts and powders at cryogenic temperatures down to -150°C.
Case Studies
CO Oxidation on Platinum Catalysts
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy ConversionIn-situ DRIFTS study revealing the mechanism of CO oxidation on Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts at various temperatures and gas compositions.
Zeolite Catalyst Characterization
ETH ZürichComprehensive study of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites in ZSM-5 zeolites using pyridine adsorption DRIFTS.
Methane Activation Studies
Technical University of MunichOperando DRIFTS investigation of methane partial oxidation over nickel-based catalysts.
