The oxidation of ethanol over a monolayer V2O5/TiO2 catalyst was examined.
The reaction involves reversible reduction of V5+ cations, whereas titanium cations remain in the Ti4+ state.
At 100–150 °C: acetaldehyde is the main product; at higher temperatures: the reaction shifts toward acetic acid.
The oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde proceeds via the classical Mars–van Krevelen mechanism.
The production of acetic acid from acetate species proceeds only after the partial oxidation of the catalyst.