TEMPERATURE-PROGRAMMED DESORPTION STUDIES OF METHANOL AND FORMIC-ACIDDECOMPOSITION ON COPPER-OXIDE SURFACES

We have obtained temperature-programmed desorption data for methanol a nd formic acid adsorption on bulk powders of CuO and Cu2O. Methanol ad sorption on CuO at 300 K results in CO2, H-2 and H2O desorption at 550 K indicating formate decomposition; this decomposition temperature is very close to that obtained from the decomposition bf formate produce d by formic acid adsorption. No significant desorption was observed fr om vacuum-annealed Cu2O following exposure to methanol due to the form ation of a copper metal film at the surface. However, formic acid was adsorbed on this surface decomposing at significantly lower temperatur e, 485 K, than on CuO.