Oxidation of CO on hydrogen-loaded palladium

The oxidation of CO adsorbed on the surface of palladium electrodes loaded with different amounts of hydrogen was studied by single potential alteration infrared reflectance spectroscopy (SPAIRS). In the absence of hydrogen, only CO2 was detected during anodic oxidation of CO. Adsorption of CO in the presence of hydrogen in palladium led to a more negative onset of its electrooxidation, and the formation of other products, such as ethanol and formaldehyde, as well as CO2. The results indicate that hydrogen occluded in palladium contributes to the displacement of carbon monoxide from the interface; this may assist in the continual electrooxidation of organic compounds at palladium electrodes.