Application of adsorption calorimetry to the study of heterogeneous catalysis reactions

This survey sets out to show that adsorption calorimeters, and particularly conduction-type calorimeters, can be used to measure catalytic activities and determine (i) rate laws, (ii) probable reaction mechanisms, (iii) the secondary processes which cause catalyst activation or deactivation, and (iv) the site distribution at the catalyst surface. The merits and limitations of the various applications of adsorption calorimetry to the study of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions are critically discussed. Most examples are taken from the author's previous publications.