Abstract
Results of investigations of the adsorption and decomposition of methanol on the surface of transition metals such as Fe, Ni, Cu, Pd, Ag, Mo, W and Pt byuv and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy have been reviewed. The first step in the decomposition of CH3OH on these metal surfaces is the formation of the methoxy species, OCH3 radical. In the case of Fe, Mo and W, complete decomposition of CH3OH occurs leaving CO(β), H2 and CH4 on the surface. Dissociation proceeds upto CO(α) and H2 on the surface of Ni, Pd and Pt whereas on Ag and Cu, selective oxidation of CH3OH to H2CO is preferred. The difference in the reactivity of metals towards CH3OH is rationalised from the heats of adsorption of O2, CO and H2 on these metals.
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