Apparatus for efficient utilization of isotopically-labeled gases in pulse transient studies of heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase reactions

Abstract

Transient techniques, such as Steady state isotopic transient kinetic analysis (SSITKA), are powerful methods for determining various mechanistic and kinetic insights into heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase reactions. However, the reactor systems commonly used in these techniques underutilize the costly isotopically labeled reactants crucial to these experiments. In this manuscript, we describe a novel apparatus that allows more efficient utilization of isotopically labeled reactants. This pulse injection apparatus is relatively easy and inexpensive to install on new or existing reaction systems. Sample data and analysis of SSITKA experiments performed on this system are also included.