AMI-300IR

Description

The AMI-300IR is an advanced chemisorption analyzer designed for catalyst characterization, incorporating in-situ infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to observe surface phenomena in real time. Traditional chemisorption and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) methods typically detect only gases evolved from the catalyst surface, thereby providing data on the number and strength of active sites. The AMI-300IR goes further: by coupling standard chemisorption techniques with FTIR, it enables direct observation of adsorbed species and thus deeper insight into the nature of adsorption/desorption processes.

Key Features

• In-situ FTIR integration: The system includes an IR transmission cell positioned within the furnace so the IR beam passes through a thin catalyst wafer, allowing real-time tracking of adsorbed species during treatment, adsorption, or desorption steps.

• Transmission IR cell design: Catalyst powder (~100 mg) is pressed into a self-supported wafer and mounted in a proprietary holder within the heated IR cell. The cell is compatible with commercial FTIR instruments and fits into the Analytical system’s furnace.

• Comprehensive chemisorption capabilities: Performs standard methods including TPD, temperature-programmed reduction/oxidation (TPR/TPO), pulse chemisorption, and dynamic BET all within the same platform, enhanced by IR-based surface information.

• Effluent gas monitoring: While the surface is observed via IR, the evolved gases can be monitored simultaneously using the built-in thermal conductivity detector (TCD) or optionally a mass spectrometer (MS), providing dual data streams (surface + gas phase) for richer analysis.

• Custom cell options: Heated IR cells designed for transmission mode ensure compatibility with catalyst wafers and high-temperature operation inside the furnace.

• Detailed adsorption studies: The IR-capable setup allows researchers to track the type of adsorption (e.g., linear vs. bridged CO on Pt), differentiate acid site types (Brønsted vs. Lewis via NH₃ adsorption bands), and construct adsorption isobars and derived TPD curves from IR absorbance data.

Typical Specifications

• Sample: ~0.1 g (pressed wafer ~100 mg catalyst powder)

• Temperature range: ambient to ~1200 °C (depending on furnace and configuration)

• Flow control: multi-gas inputs for treatment/adsorption/desorption, plus optional vapor dosing

• Detection: IR transmission cell + TCD (standard) + optional MS or other detectors

• Pilot-cell design: Custom IR cell compatible with standard catalyst wafer mounting; furnace accommodates IR cell in place of standard U-tube

• Full automation: programmable sequences of treatment, adsorption, desorption, pulse modes and real-time IR monitoring

Applications

• Advanced catalyst research where understanding the nature of surface adsorption sites is critical (e.g., metal catalysts, zeolites, acid/base catalysts)

• Studies of adsorption/desorption mechanisms using probe molecules like CO, NH₃, etc., where IR allows identification of adsorption modes and site types

• Combined gas-analysis & surface-analysis methodologies: you get both conventional chemisorption data (site counts, strengths) and spectroscopic insight into the surface chemistry

• Mechanistic investigations: e.g., formation/disappearance of surface intermediates under temperature ramps, real-time monitoring of surface species during reaction or desorption steps

Benefits & Why Choose It

• Enables surface chemical insight beyond traditional gas-detector data: you can see what is adsorbed, not just how much.

• Allows correlation of gas-phase signals (via TCD/MS) with surface-phase behavior (via IR) in one integrated instrument.

• Supports more sophisticated experiment design: e.g., tracking adsorption modes, distinguishing site types, exploring multi-step surface phenomena.

• Ideal for high-level catalyst R&D where mechanistic understanding is as important as quantification of active sites.

Considerations

• The IR-integrated setup has higher complexity compared to standard chemisorption systems; user training is important for correct IR cell preparation, wafer pressing, and IR spectral interpretation.

• The IR transmission cell may limit sample format (e.g., wafer form) so sample preparation must be considered in planning.

• Lab infrastructure should support FTIR interfacing as well as the typical gas/temperature control needed for chemisorption.

• Depending on configuration (detector options, high-temperature/low-temperature modules), cost, maintenance and operational requirements may be higher than standard models.

• Ensure that the IR cell and furnace configuration meet your specific adsorption/desorption conditions (e.g., temperature limits, gas compatibility, IR path length) and that you understand the integration with the IR spectrometer.