An In Situ IR Spectroscopic Study of Methanol Conversion on an SNM-1 Catalyst

According to data obtained by spectrokinetic measurements under the reaction conditions of methanol conversion, formate and carbonate complexes were detected on the surface of an SNM-1 catalyst. The reaction products were H-2, CO2, methyl formate, and CO. The surface of the SNM-1 catalyst was a copper oxide surface modified with aluminum and zinc oxides. Methoxy groups were formed on this surface upon interaction with methanol. With consideration for the high oxidizing ability of copper, the methoxy groups were rapidly converted into formate and carbonate. An analysis of the experimental data suggested that carbonate was the main source of CO2, whereas hydrogen resulted from the decomposition of formate and the formation and consumption of methyl formate as a reaction intermediate.