Partial oxidation of ethanol over Pd/CeO2 and Pd/Y2O3 catalysts

The effect of the support nature on the performance of Pd catalysts during partial oxidation of ethanol was studied. H2, CO2 and acetaldehyde formation was favored on Pd/CeO2, whereas CO production was facilitated over Pd/Y2O3 catalyst. According to the reaction mechanism, determined by DRIFTS analyses, some reaction pathways are favored depending on the support nature, which can explain the differences observed on products distribution. On Pd/Y2O3 catalyst, the production of acetate species was promoted, which explain the higher CO formation, since acetate species can be decomposed to CH4 and CO at high temperatures. On Pd/CeO2 catalyst, the acetaldehyde preferentially desorbs and/or decomposes to H2, CH4 and CO. The CO formed is further oxidized to CO2, which seems to be promoted on Pd/CeO2 catalyst.