Formation and Conversion of Surface Compounds upon Interaction of Ethanol with Cu/CeO₂ Catalyst According to in situ IR Spectroscopy

Abstract—In the conditions of ethanol conversion on the surface of a 5%Cu/CeO₂ catalyst, the method of in situ IR spectroscopy reveals ethoxy groups, acetate and formiate complexes, and consolidation products. Acetaldehyde, acetone, croton aldehyde, butadiene, hydrogen, CO, and CO₂ are observed in the reaction products. As the temperature of the experiment increases, the concentration of acetaldehyde passes through a maximum at T = 250°C. This product is formed due to the interaction of ethoxy and hydroxyl surface groups. The concentration of acetone, croton aldehyde, and butadiene also passes through a maximum in the 350–400°C range. These products are associated with the decomposition of the consolidation products. The concentration of hydrogen, CO and CO₂ steadily increases with temperature and only these reaction products are left at T > 400°C. A mechanism of hydrogen formation based on the conversion of the highest temperature formiate surface complex is discussed.