The influence of oxygen on the surface chemistry of 1,2-propanediol on Pd(111)

The surface chemistry of 1,2-propanediol (PDO) has been studied on oxygen precovered Pd(111) using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Adsorbed 1,2-propanedioxy (–OCH(CH3)CH2O–) forms from the activation of the O–H bonds. When the concentration of O(a) is large compared to 1,2-propanedioxy, no H2 is produced and the dialkoxide reacts to form H2O, CO through decarbonylation, and CO2 through decarboxylation. Unreacted oxygen also desorbs as O2 at high temperature. Conversely, when the concentration of O(a) is small relative to 1,2-propanedioxy, the dialkoxide reacts to form decomposition products (H2, CO), oxidation products (H2O, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, formaldehyde) and deoxygenation products (ethylene, propylene). Co-adsorbed oxygen increases the overall coverage of PDO that can undergo decomposition, which in turn strongly influences decomposition activation barriers and products.