The ID03 surface diffraction beamline for in-situ and real-time X-ray investigations of catalytic reactions at surfaces

In this article, we present the current capabilities of the ID03 surface diffraction beamline for the characterisation of catalytic surfaces under reaction. The weak interaction of X-rays with matter makes it possible to design reactor set-ups which can sustain high temperatures and atmospheric pressures while probing the sample reactivity, structure and morphology with surface sensitive X-ray techniques. A few examples are presented as an illustration of the current capabilities. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.