Studying Fischer–Tropsch catalysts using transmission electron microscopy and model systems of nanoparticles on planar supports

Nanoparticle model systems on planar supports form a versatile platform for studying morphological and compositional changes of catalysts due to exposure to realistic reaction conditions. We review examples from our work on iron and cobalt catalysts, which can undergo significant rearrangement in the reactive environment of the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The use of specially designed, silicon based supports with thin film SiO2 enables the application of transmission electron microscopy, which has furnished important insight into e.g. the mechanisms of catalyst regeneration.