Influence of a catalytic reaction on the surface composition and roughness factor of palladium-ruthenium alloys

Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and differential flow methods, the surface composition and surface area of Pd-Ru alloys have been examined before and after their use as catalysts. The increase in the catalytic activity of the alloys leads to the enrichment of their surface in ruthenium. It is concluded that the catalytic activity of these alloys is governed by the composition, structure and (to a lesser degree) the roughness of the surface. © 1978 Akadémiai Kiadó.