Ethanol Adsorption, Decomposition and Oxidation on Ir(111): A High Resolution XPS Study

Abstract
Ethanol (C2H5OH) adsorption, decomposition and oxidation is studied on Ir(111) using high-energy resolution, fast XPS and temperature-programmed desorption. During heating of an adsorbed ethanol layer a part of the C2H5OHad desorbs molecularly, and another part remains on the surface and decomposes around 200 K; these two decomposition pathways are identified, as via acetyl (H3CCO) and via COad+CH3ad, respectively. Acetyl and CH3ad decompose around 300 K into CHad (and COad). CHad decomposes forming Cx and H2 around 520 K. In the presence of Oad an acetate intermediate is formed around 180 K, as well as a small amount of CH3ad and COad. Acetate decomposes between 400–480 K into CO2, H2(/H2O) and CHad.