Temperature Programmed Reduction/Oxidation (TPR/TPO) Methods

The redox properties of the metal oxides impart them peculiar catalytic activity which is exploited in reactions of oxidation and reduction of high applicative importance. It is possible to measure the extent of oxidation/reduction of given metal oxide by thermal methods which are become very popular: TPR and TPO analyses. By successive experiments of reduction and oxidation (TPR-TPO cycles) it is possible to control the reversible redox ability of a given oxide in view of its use as catalyst. The two methods are here presented with explanation on some possibility of exploitation of kinetic study to derive quantitative information on the reduction/oxidation of the oxide. Examples of selected metal oxides with wellestablished redox properties which have been used in catalytic processes are shown.