Adsorption and oxidation of methanol and ethanol on the surface of metallic and ceramic catalysts

A short review of results obtained in latest infrared and Raman studies, with special reference to in situ measurements and first-principles quantum-mechanical investigations of adsorption and oxidation of alcohol molecules over different (metallic, semiconductor and oxide) surfaces and metal/oxide interfaces is presented, and differences and similarities in the behaviour of methanol and ethanol are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved