Copper oxide-based catalysts are being investigated for several reactions including water gas shift, CO oxidation, and NOx reduction. The fully oxidized CuO is the more stable material, while Cu2O is more reactive. Understanding the surface behavior, including the redox chemistry, in the mentioned reactions requires further study of the surfaces under operando pressure conditions. Ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron (APXPS), reflection adsorption infrared (IRRAS), and near-edge X-ray adsorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopies are ideal to monitor the Cu oxidation state and surface species under partial pressures up to ~1 Torr, nearly bridging the pressure gap between traditional UHV surface science studies and industrial conditions. Using these techniques, the adsorption behaviors of CO, CO2, and NO2 on polycrystalline CuO and Cu2O(111) surfaces were studied at room temperature. The experimental results were interpreted with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The gases were found to adsorb more strongly on the Cu2O(111) surface, and only adsorbed on the CuO surface at pressures above 1 mTorr. Interestingly, the adsorption of CO2 on CuO is hindered by hydroxyl groups, in agreement with DFT calculations. These studies and calculations set a foundation for future experiments with co-dosing reactants at higher temperatures.

In situ spectroscopy studies of CO, CO2, and NO2 adsorption on CuOx surfaces

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.