Different routes to methanol: inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy of adsorbates on supported copper catalysts

Kandemir, T., Friedrich, M., Parker, S. F., Studt, F., Lennon, D. , Schlogl, R. and Behrens, M. (2016) Different routes to methanol: inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy of adsorbates on supported copper catalysts. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 18(26), pp. 17253-17258. (doi: 10.1039/C6CP00967K) (PMID:27075638)

Abstract

We have investigated methanol synthesis with model supported copper catalysts, Cu/ZnO and Cu/MgO, using CO/H2 and CO2/H2 as feedstocks. Under CO/H2 both catalysts show chemisorbed methoxy as a stable intermediate, the Cu/MgO catalyst also shows hydroxyls on the support. Under CO2/H2 the catalysts behave differently, in that formate is also seen on the catalyst. For the Cu/ZnO catalyst hydroxyls are present on the metal whereas for the Cu/MgO hydroxyls are found on the support. These results are consistent with a recently published model for methanol synthesis and highlight the key role of ZnO in the process.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lennon, Professor David
• Authors: Kandemir, T., Friedrich, M., Parker, S. F., Studt, F., Lennon, D., Schlogl, R., and Behrens, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISSN: 1463-9076
• ISSN (Online): 1463-9084
• Published Online: 14 April 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry
• First Published: First published in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 18(26):17253-17258
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License