Surface energy of solid catalysts measured by inverse gas chromatography.

The time separation of experimental surface energy on Pt-Rh bimetallic catalysts, together with the time-independent rate constants for adsorption and desorption of O(2), CO, and CO(2) on them, is described, applying the reversed-flow version of inverse gas chromatography. The standard free energy of adsorption DeltaG(z.plims;) and its probability density function over time, together with the geometrical mean of the London parts of the total surface free energy (gamma(L)(1)gamma(L)(2))(1/2) of the adsorbed probe and the solid surface, accompanied by the relevant probability density functions over time are also calculated. The time-resolved phenomena lead to quite varying values of DeltaG(z.plims;), (gamma(L)(1)gamma(L)(2))(1/2), and the distribution functions as time passes, their maximum values being given by the catalyst containing a Pt:Rh = 3:1 weight ratio of the active phase for all adsorbed gases. The conclusion is reached that the surface energy measured as described can be used as a good measure for catalyst characterization.