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Abstract

The relation between surface science and catalysis science is discussed emphasising the aspects of the analysis of heterogeneous catalysts and its implications for model studies. The need to replace a-priori assumptions about the catalyst nature under reaction conditions by solid experimental evidence is pointed out. Only then a surface science study using the correct model system is expected to be successful in analysing the mode of operation of a catalyst This aspect becomes increasingly important as surface science moves towards more complicated reaction systems.

Two examples from the analysis of technical catalysts for partial oxidation reactions are used to illustrate the general statements. It is demonstrated that in cases of heteropolyacids and elemental silver as catalysts for selective dehydrogenation the bridging of pressure and material gaps cannot be achieved by linear extrapolation of reactivity and structure from conditions of model studies to practical operating conditions.