Spectroscopic elucidation of reaction pathways of acetaldehyde on platinum and palladium in acidic media

The electrochemical behavior of acetaldehyde on palladium and platinum electrodes in acidic media was comparatively studied by means of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) combined with cyclic voltammetry. It was observed that acetaldehyde decomposition depends on the catalyst material, applied potential, and reactant concentration. Additionally, it was detected that acetaldehyde adsorbs and dissociates at potentials lower than 0.60 V vs RHE, producing methane and adsorbed CO on Pd; while C₂-species, CH_x and CO_ad are formed on Pt. Besides carbon dioxide, acetic acid and adsorbed acetate were observed at E?>?0.6 V, and their contribution increased with acetaldehyde concentration. Differences between Pt and Pd in potential dependence of the products and intermediates were established. Calibration of the mass spectrometer, together with the use of labeled acetaldehyde and IR spectra, allows establishment of the nature of adsorbed species and products for both Pt and Pd at different potentials, elucidating global reaction pathways for acetaldehyde on these two noble metals.