IR studies of the transformation of formaldehyde and methanol on Co-ferrierites

Abstract

The transformation of the formaldehyde and methanol molecules with cobalt ions in zeolites CoFER containing various proportions between the Co 2+ in the exchange positions and in the oxide forms was investigated by IR spectroscopy. Both formaldehyde and methanol molecules were oxidized to formate ions by Co 3+ or Co 2+ acting as oxidants. According to the IR results mainly Co 3+ acts as the oxidant in the reaction with methanol, being reduced to Co 2+. The status of Co 3+ in zeolites was followed with NO as probe molecule whereas information on the nature of Co 2+ was obtained in the IR experiments of low temperature CO sorption.