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Surface characterization of CuO-ZnO methanol-synthesis catalysts by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. 2. Reduced catalysts

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100242a035· OSTI ID:5513844

The surface state of the coprecipitated cupric oxide-zinc oxide (CuO-ZnO) catalysts reduced at 250/sup 0/C with H/sub 2/ was investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that a monovalent copper species was present in the surface of the catalysts with low copper contents. It was revealed that two distinct types of copper metal species, both of them being negatively charged by electron transfer from ZnO, were produced in the catalyst surface upon the reduction. In the high copper content catalysts (> 25 wt % CuO), the predominant Cu metal species is described by well-dispersed metal particles, whereas in the low copper content catalysts (< 10 wt % CuO), the major copper metal species is best characterized by a two-dimensional epitaxial copper layer over ZnO. It is concluded that both the two-dimensional copper metal and Cu/sup +/ are formed from Cu/sup 2 +/ dissolved in a ZnO lattice, while the copper metal particles are originating mainly from crystalline and amorphous copper oxide phases. The two-dimensional copper metal species was found to be preferentially reoxidized to Cu/sup +/ when exposed to air at room temperature. The two-dimensional Cu/sup 0/-Cu/sup +/ species are suggested to be catalytically active for the methanol synthesis at low temperature and pressure. The reduction of ZnO was observed only when reduced at 500/sup 0/C and in the presence of copper. In the case of the impregnated catalysts, no appreciable interactions were found between Cu metal and ZnO, in contrast to the coprecipitated catalysts. 7 figures, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Osaka Univ., Japan
OSTI ID:
5513844
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 87:19; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English