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Book Review

Catalyst characterization: Physical Techniques for Solid Materials, by 6. I melik and J.C. Vedmrine (Editors), Plenum Publ. Corp., New York, NY, 1994, ISBN 0-306-43950- 6, xxxii + 702 pp., $125 (US, Canada)/$l50 (rest of the world)

This book is a long-awaited one in the area of catalyst characterization. The editors have succinctly characterized the contents of the entire book in the first chapter, which deals with the list of various characterization techniques available today, acronyms widely used in

characterization techniques, physical constants, and units and conversions, etc. Starting from “Infrared Spectroscopy,” each chapter has been devoted to a specific characterization technique, written by authors that are well known in their fields of research. The chapter on “Infrared Spectroscopy” describes briefly transmission, reflection, and emission spectros- copies. This is then followed by chapters on Raman Spectroscopy, NM, EPR, Mijssbauer Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, EELS, SIMS, ISS, EXAFS, XANES, Neutron Scattering, X-ray diffraction, SAXS, XPS, conventional and analytical electron microscopy, thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, etc. All these offer excellent and brief descriptions with frequent and numerous up-to-date references. It is important to note that the readers are introduced to each chapter on a specific technique with a brief statement of the usefulness and the purpose of the characterization technique. A brief theory and the fundamental principles arethen provided and these are followed by an instrumentation section containing brief descriptions of the instrumentation, instrumentation requirements, etc. At the end of each chapter there is a description of examples of the analysis of one ortwo catalysts using the technique described in the chapter. It is apparent that the book has been edited and published in a well-organized manner, All the chapters have been wriien in a uniform fashion as described above. This book is an “eye-opener” for those who are on the verge of

beginning to appreciate various characterization techniques and the specific applications of these in heterogenous catalysis. I would especially encourage graduate students to refer to this book; it will certainly open up their minds to wider areas, Although the book deals with almost all characterization techniques, one should realize that one chapter of about 25-30 pages is not sufficient to describe a technique completely and thoroughly. The book will give a good start to those who wish to develop their knowledge and then refer to various other books to supplement their knowledge. For example, to get a thorough understanding of the principles of X-ray diffraction ortransmission electron microscopy, other books which are written specifically on these techniques should be referred to. Though this book appears to be dominated by French authors, the English language, grammar, and spelling are highly commendable. In conclusion, this book provides easy reading for researchers. The style and clarity adopted in each chapter in taking the reader along the paths of a characterization technique are excellent. This comprehensive book on catalyst characterization will certainly become a major reference book in the area of applied catalysis.

Lexington Accepted 25 November 1994

RAM SRINIVASAN

applied catalysis A: General Volume 121 No. 1 - 5 January 1995