SPECTROSCOPIC INVESTIGATIONS OF C-3 PRIMARY ALCOHOLS ON PLATINUM-ELECTRODES IN ACID-SOLUTIONS .1. N-PROPANOL

The electrochemical behavior of n-propanol (n-PrOH) on polycrystalline Pt in acid solutions was investigated using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) and on line differential electrochemica l mass spectrometry (DEMS). The main products of n-PrOH oxidation are CO2, propanal and propionic acid. Different types of adsorbates with o ne, two or three C atoms were detected. Ethane and propane are produce d from n-PrOH adsorbates during potential cycling in the H-adatom pote ntial region. An increase in the quantity of adsorbed CO was observed after hydrogenation of n-PrOH adsorbates.