Thermal desorption study of surface properties of SNM-1 methanol synthesis catalyst

1. Reduced and calcined SNM-1 catalyst adsorbs carbon monoxide in two forms: low-temperature (tmax 100°C) and high-temperature (tmax 550°C). The bonding strengths of these species and their concentration on the surface have been estimated. 2. Chemisorption of carbon monoxide is decreased when the catalyst is reduced. It has been found that carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide by interaction with the surface. 3. On the nonreduced catalyst, water is present in two forms. Treatment with carbon monoxide at 250°C, together with reduction, leads to a considerable degree of removal of water from the surface. 4. At 150°C, on the SNM-1 catalysts activated adsorption of hydrogen takes place; this is not observed at 20°C.