Abstract
The oxidation of ethanol has been studied over a series of silica-supported noble metal catalysts. Pt was found to be the most active catalyst for the formation of CO 2. Ru was found to be highly selective for the formation of acetaldehyde in the 40–100C temperature range. A low temperature mechanism leading to the formation of acetaldehyde and H 2O was found to occur through an adsorbed ethoxy intermediate. In order to explain the high temperature mechanism which appears to favor the direct oxidation of ethanol to CO 2 without the formation of an acetaldehyde intermediate, an adsorbed surface acetate is suggested. Both the surface ethoxy species and the adsorbed acetate have been identified using in situ infrared spectroscopy. The formation of both acetic acid and ethyl acetate at high temperatures is further evidence that a surface acetate species is present.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
