Spectroscopic characterization of CuTh oxide catalysts in decomposition of isopropyl alcohol

Abstract

Copper–thorium oxide catalysts prepared with different atomic ratios Cu : Th by coprecipitation of hydroxides and calcination in dry air at 1073 K, have been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV–VIS spectroscopies before and after being tested as catalysts for the decomposition of isopropyl alcohol. The catalysts are selective for dehydrogenation to form acetone only. The simultaneous presence of Cu²⁺, Cu⁺ and/or Cu⁰ in the thoria with a ratio of (Cu⁰+ Cu⁺)/Cu²⁺≈ 2 is required for activity toward isopropyl alcohol dehydrogenation.