Electron microscopy study of Ce[O.sub.x]-Pd/[alpha]-[Al.sub.2][O.sub.3] catalysts for methane dry reforming

Various electron microscopy techniques were employed to examine the interaction between Pd and Ce in a (0.47 wt %) Ce[O.sub.x]-Pd(1 wt %)/[alpha]-[Al.sub.2][O.sub.3] catalyst that is used in the reforming reaction of C[H.sub.4] with C[O.sub.2]. The results provide insight into the location of Ce[O.sub.x] in close proximity of the palladium nanoparticles and the anisotropic distribution of Ce[O.sub.x] crystallites that is limited to the interface region between Pd and the substrate but deos not cover the surface of the Pd nanoparticles.