Development of Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Methods for Analysis of Supported Catalysts and Nanocomposites

A method of selective dissolution of support or matrix (STS) for studying supported metal catalysts and nanocomposites by small angle X-ray scattering has been proposed. Due to this technique, the strong parasitic scattering from the porous structure of support/matrix or their particles disappears. The efficiency of the STS technique was demonstrated on different samples. The transmission electron microscopy data of the initial supported catalysts were found to be in good agreement with the small angle X-ray scattering data of sols prepared from them. The main limitations of this technique are selective dissolution of different phases in complex materials and possible particle aggregation in the prepared sols.