XPS-UPS, ISS characterization studies and the effect of Pt and K addition on the catalytic properties of MoO2−x(OH)y deposited on TiO2

► Surface electronic structure-catalytic activity correlation is presented in this research work. ► In situ characterization by XPS-UPS and ISS techniques were employed at the same experimental conditions applied for catalytic reactions. ► Catalytic reactions of Mo deposited on titanium oxide for the isomerization and hydrogenation reactions using 1-hexene and n-hexane were studied. ► The bifunctional properties of the molybdenum dioxide phase were modified by the addition of potassium.