Origin of transient species present on the surface of a PdO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst during the methane combustion reaction

Operando DRIFTS was applied to the study of the evolution of surface species formed on a Pd (2 wt.%)/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in various conditions. No differences were observed as a function of the initial oxidation state of palladium. Formates/carbonates species were identified at low temperature (<400 °C) and disappeared when CO2 production started. These species come from the Pd-catalyzed interaction of CO with the alumina support, while CO2 induces hydrogenocarbonates formation at low temperature (<300 °C). Their presence does not explain the inhibiting effect of CO2 observed in CCM on Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts.