Fourier-transform infrared study of surface species on carbon mixed with KBr and reacted with CO2, O2 and CO

Abstract

Infrared spectra of C/KBr heated in carbon dioxide showed bands due to several types of carbon–oxygen surface species C(O)* which were also formed by heat treatment in oxygen. Oxygen was more efficient than carbon dioxide at generating C(O)* species and formed some surface groups which did not appear for carbon dioxide. The latter groups were reactive with carbon monoxide whereas C(O)* species formed both by oxygen and carbon dioxide did not react with carbon monoxide. Contrasting behaviour of carbon dioxide with C/KBr and C/K₂CO₃ has been identified. The results are discussed in terms of surface species which may be involved in carbon gasification reactions.