In Situ Luminescence Thermometry To Locally Measure Temperature Gradients during Catalytic Reactions

ACS Catal. 2018 Mar 2;8(3):2397-2401. doi: 10.1021/acscatal.7b04154. Epub 2018 Feb 14.

Abstract

Bandshape luminescence thermometry during in situ temperature measurements has been reported by preparing three catalytically relevant systems, which show temperature-dependent luminescence. One of these systems was further investigated as a showcase for application. Microcrystalline NaYF4 doped with Er3+ and Yb3+ was mixed with a commercial zeolite H-ZSM-5 to investigate the Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons (MTH) reaction, while monitoring the reaction products with online gas chromatography. Due to the exothermic nature of the MTH reaction, a front of increased temperature migrating down the fixed reactor bed was visualized, showing the potential for various applications of luminescence thermometry for in situ measurements in catalytic systems.