Sintering of palladium on alumina model catalyst in a hydrogen atmosphere

Abstract

The sintering behavior of Pd crystallites supported on γ-alumina in 1 atm flowing hydrogen as a function of time and temperature is reported. Model catalysts consisting of Pd crystallites supported on thin films of alumina are heated at 650, 725, and 800 °C for various time intervals. The same region of a specimen is examined with a transmission electron microscope after each heat treatment to follow the changes of each Pd crystallite. The various events which occur during short, intermediate, and long durations of heating, are identified. The possible mechanisms are outlined and discussed. © 1981.