Methanol decomposition and synthesis over palladium catalysts

Palladium is generally active in the catalytic decomposition and synthesis of methanol. The activity of palladium is largely affected by its support. Cerium oxide is an effective support especially when the catalyst is prepared by the coprecipitation or deposition-precipitation method which leads to a strong interaction between palladium and the support. Cationic palladium species formed in the catalyst are probably active species for both decomposition and synthesis while formation of Pd-O-Ce bonding is rather important in the synthesis reaction.