Copper-based catalysts, often containing other active metals such as cobalt, show potential for CO hydrogenation to ethanol and higher alcohols.  These products are produced via a concerted mechanism that requires adsorption of CO both associatively and dissociatively, leading to C-C bond formation between activated CHx and CO species.  This work focuses on the use of infrared spectroscopy to study Sn promotion of Cu/SiO2 with the objective of understanding CO activation on this surface.  Based on the DRIFTS peak areas, Sn addition greatly increased the amount of CO adsorbed on copper.  The Sn-containing catalyst also showed three adsorption peaks at around 2140 cm-1, 2130 cm-1, and 2110 cm-1, compared to only one at 2130 cm-1 on Cu/SiO2.  The peak at 2130 cm-1 was more thermally stable on CuSn/SiO2 than on Cu/SiO2.  These results suggest that Sn promotion may be used to increase the concentration and types of CO adsorption on Cu/SiO2.

Sn addition to Cu/SiO<sub>2</sub>:  Effect on CO adsorption

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Sn addition to Cu/SiO2: Effect on CO adsorption

Sn addition to Cu/SiO₂: Effect on CO adsorption