Oxide-supported copper catalysts are used in the industry for the synthesis of methanol and have been recently shown to exhibit significant water-gas shift (WGS) activity, but their performance is not fully understood and is highly dependent on the synthesis conditions or the nature of the oxide support. Bulk ceria is a well known oxide support for WGS catalysts. We have prepared and characterized inverse CeOx-CuyO/Cu(111) model catalysts, and studied their interactions with small molecules from ultra-high vacuum to elevated pressure conditions using  infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, temperature programmed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Different CeOx-CuyO/Cu(111) systems were prepared and characterized by vibrational spectroscopy of adsorbed CO.  We have explored the oxidation and reduction (redox) properties of the model catalysts in response to chemical reactivity with oxygenated molecules including CO, CO2, H2O and HCOOH, isolated potential intermediates such as formate species and studied their stability and reactivity.

Interactions of CeO<sub>x</sub>-Cu<sub>y</sub>O/Cu(111) systems with small molecules under ultrahigh vacuum and elevated pressure conditions

244th National Meeting (2012)

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Interactions of CeOx-CuyO/Cu(111) systems with small molecules under ultrahigh vacuum and elevated pressure conditions

Interactions of CeO_x-Cu_yO/Cu(111) systems with small molecules under ultrahigh vacuum and elevated pressure conditions