Oxidation of Ethylene over Silver: Adsorption, Kinetics, Catalyst

Abstract

Selective oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide over supported silver catalysts is not only one of the very few uses of that element as n catalyst of industrial importance, it also has been the basis for the manufacture of an important chemical intermediate that underlies the large glycol industry as well as the manufacture of a varied array of solvents and related chemical materials, The chemical reactions offer a classical example of selectivity for partial oxidation to ethylene oxide versus complete combustion to carbon dioxide and water.