In situ diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of supported chromium oxide catalysts: Kinetics of the reduction process with carbon monoxide

In situ diffuse reflectance spectra of supported chromium oxide catalysts are investigated for the first time at elevated temperatures under controlled reaction conditions using a specially designed diffuse reflection attachment. The obtained results are compared and discussed with those obtained by the classical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy technique. A novel method for studying the reduction kinetics of supported transition metal oxides is proposed. In the case of Cr(VI), the reduction is faster on silica than on alumina. A kinetic model is developed to explain the kinetics. It consists of the activation of CO by adsorption followed by the reduction of Cr6+ with formation of surface carboxylates.