Temporal- and Spatial-Resolved Characterization of Zeolite-Based Catalysts

Abstract

Zeolites and metal-zeolite catalysts are the cornerstones of heterogeneous catalysis, where performance is governed by the structural dynamics and spatial distribution of active sites. However, conventional characterization often lacks the spatiotemporal resolution needed to detect these sites in realistic reaction environments. This review summarizes recent progress in time-resolved spectroscopy, spatially resolved chemical imaging, and advanced electron microscopy—encompassing atomic resolution, dynamic monitoring, and three-dimensional imaging. We highlight how these frontiers enable the in situ and operando tracking of active-site evolution, intermediate transformation, transport phenomena, and coke deposition across vast spatiotemporal scales—from femtoseconds to seconds and angstroms to millimeters. By integrating multiscale 3D visualization with theoretical modeling, the field is transitioning from static structural descriptions toward a comprehensive understanding of dynamic catalytic processes. This work provides a strategic framework and a cutting-edge perspective for the rational design of next-generation zeolite catalysts.