Decomposition and Combined Reforming of Methanol to Hydrogen: a FTIR and QMS Study on Cu and Au Catalysts Supported on ZnO and TiO sub(2)

Scientists utilized in situ FTIR spectroscopy and quadruple mass spectrometry techniques to evaluate methanol decomposition and methanol combined reforming to hydrogen on Cu and Au catalysts supported on ZnO and TiO sub(2) for a range of increasing temperatures. At room temperature, methoxy species on ZnO and TiO sub(2) supported catalysts are generated by the reaction of methanol with OH surface groups. Researchers determined that the evolution of the adsorbed species with increasing temperature was different for the four catalysts. Controlling parameters identified in the analytical efforts included the reaction mixture, the nature of the metal, and the method of preparation. Data indicated that Au is not able to activate the support toward the oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde.