Application of cross-correlation analysis to EXAFS: Investigation of the cobalt phase on boron modified cobalt/alumina catalysts

Boron modified Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts, previously characterized by ESCA, are examined by EXAFS. A method of data analysis based on cross-correlation of the (E) spectra is used to determine the relative amounts of Co₃O₄ and cobalt surface phase present on the catalysts. The results are compared with those obtained previously by ESCA. The EXAFS analysis agrees well with the ESCA results. No gas-phase reactions were required to elucidate the relative proportion of cobalt species by EXAFS as is necessary for the ESCA analysis.