Surface "Titration" Investigation of the Role of Formate in Methanol Synthesis on Copper Catalysts

Titration (surface reaction) experiments were performed at 413K-463K under various gas compositions. Adsorbed layers from methanol synthesis and from formic acid were used.  Methanol was observed from the catalytic adlayers but not from formic acid under any condition, including methanol synthesis. Formate is thus a  spectator in methanol  synthesis.