Catalysts and chemistry

Researchers use the SRS to look at important chemical reactions at the atomic level. Many industrial chemical processes rely heavily on catalysts. By understanding how these catalysts work, scientists can design new, more effective compounds that will be of great benefit to industry.

Preparing apparatus for experiments in atmospheric chemistry.

The active site of a catalyst, shown here in yellow.

The first ever measurements of a solid catalysing a liquid reaction were made at the SRS. These studies of a complex hollow centred or 'mesoporous' catalyst used in the epoxidation of cyclohexane are helping to explain reactions which are of vital importance to the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

The SRS is an intense source of ultraviolet light, making it a perfect tool for the study of many processes in the upper atmosphere which are affected by UV from the sun. For instance, pollutant molecules can break down forming chlorine atoms which in turn react with, and destroy, ozone. Work at the SRS is helping scientists understand the atomic processes involved in these reactions.

A powder diffraction pattern.