Spectroscopic investigations of C₃ primary alcohols on platinum electrodes in acid solutions: Part I. <i>n</i>-propanol

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior of <i>n</i>-propanol (<i>n</i>-PrOH) on polycrystalline Pt in acid solutions was investigated using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) and on line differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). The main products of <i>n</i>-PrOH oxidation are CO₂, propanal and propionic acid. Different types of adsorbates with one, two or three C atoms were detected. Ethane and propane are produced from <i>n</i>-PrOH adsorbates during potential cycling in the H-adatom potential region. An increase in the quantity of adsorbed CO was observed after hydrogenation of <i>n</i>-PrOH adsorbates.