This book describes the principal physico-chemical techniques for characterising the catalysts used in searching for new active phases, optimising the formulation and monitoring industrial production. Based on courses given at the Institut Francias du Peole for research technicians in the fields of kinetics and catalysis, this book covers useful basic theory and provides numerous examples of industrial applications. This guide is an essential companion for technicians and chemical engineers whose work requires an understanding of the fields of application, including the capabilities and the limits of today's complex characterisation techniques.Contents: Introduction. 1. Textural characterisation of catalysts. 2. Atomic absorption spectrometry. 3. Atomic emission spectroscopy. 4. X-ray fluorescence. 5. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. 6. Ion impact analysis. 7. Scanning electron microscopy. 8. Elemental analysis in the electron microprobe. 9. Transmission electron microscopy. 10. X-ray diffraction and small-angle scattering. 11. Exafs. 12. Infrared absorption spectrometry. 13. Nuclear magnetic resonance. 14. Thermal analysis methods. Index