STUDIES OF CO DESORPTION AND REACTION WITH H-2 ON ALUMINA-SUPPORTED RU

The temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO and temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) of chemisorbed CO in H2 have been studied on a Ru Al2O3 catalyst. Adsorption at 303 K occurs molecularly and leads to the observation of two peaks in the TPD spectrum. The activation energies associated with these peaks are 27 and 37 kcal/mole. Upon heating above 415 K CO disproportionation takes place, forming CO2 and carbon. The carbon deposited on the catalyst surface readily reacts with H2 at 303 K to produce methane and ethane. These products are also formed during TPR of chemisorbed CO. The mechanism of CO disproportionation, the effect of surface carbon on the bonding of chemisorbed CO, and the reactions of chemisorbed CO with H2 are discussed. © 1979.