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oa Selective Ethanol Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide
Roles Of Rhodium Catalytic Sites
- Source: Platinum Metals Review, Volume 41, Issue 4, Oct 1997, p. 166 - 170
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- 01 Jan 1997
Abstract
Work on the synthesis of ethanol from carbon dioxide over a rhodium-selenium catalyst is reported, and related reactions and characterisation studies are briefly reviewed. In order to inhibit the formation of methane (complete reduction of carbon dioxide) and simultaneously activate carbon-carbon bond formation by the reaction of CHx with carbonyl derivatives, it is necessary to control the active rhodium sites. Based on a study of single crystal rhodium surfaces it is proposed that acetyl and acetate intermediates are formed. Recently it has been discovered that supported Rh/TiO2, promoted by selenium from inside the rhodium metal sites, is a potential catalyst for ethanol synthesis from carbon dioxide. The action of this catalyst is compared to related studies.