Methanol decomposition on Ru(0001) during continuous exposure at room temperature

► Methanol decomposition on Ru(0001) at room temperature and under high exposures. ► CO bond scission is an active path during methanol decomposition on Ru(0001). ► No intermediates are stabilized at room temperature during methanol decomposition. ► Surface defects seem to accelerate methanol dehydrogenation and CO bond scission.