Interactions of Biomass Derived Oxygenate Molecules with Heterogeneous Catalysts in Aqueous and Vacuum Environments

In-situ IR spectroscopy was used to identify new surface species formed by various biomass molecules on γ-Al₂O₃. Such surface species strongly influence the stability of the γ-Al₂O₃ in hydrothermal conditions. The method used makes studying compounds with little or no vapor pressure in a high vacuum in-situ IR cell possible.