Selectivity switching resulting in the formation of benzene by surface carbonates on ceria in catalytic gas-phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol

The irreversible formation of carbonate deposits on CeO₂ leads to complete switching of catalytic selectivity resulting in the formation of benzene in gas-phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol. By integrating experimental spectra and theoretical calculations, we expect that such a shift is derived from further decarbonylation of benzaldehyde via easy trapping of CO fragments by surface carbonate species.