Trifunctional Catalysts for Conversion of Syngas to Alcohols. Sixth Quarterly Report, December 1, 1985-February 28, 1986

摘要

The addition of relatively large amounts of molybdena to Rh/A1203 catalysts (Mo/Rh atom ratio of 2 or greater) was found to increase CO hydrogenation activity by a factor of ten. Moreover, under standard test conditions the selectivity to oxygenates is increased from about 35 to about 85%. The C1/C2 oxygenates ratio is increased. C1 oxygenates include MeOH, MeOMe and NeOEt. The Rh/Mo/A1203 catalysts also show high activity for the water-gas shift reaction. MoO3/Al203 tested under similar conditions (250 sup 0 C, 30 atmos., H2/CO = 2, 3000 GHSV) displayed low activity; only hydrocarbons were produced. Rh/TiO2 is more active than Rh/Al203, Rh/SiO2, Rh/MgO or Rh/La203. However, Rh/Mo/TiO2 was less active than Rh/Mo/Al203. During the course of this work, a few patents were located which also point to the high activity of catalyst containing Rh and Mo. Howver these patents do not provide a systematic study nor an understanding of the nature of this enhancement. Our research is directed to identifying the surface chemistry which gives rise to such strong activity and selectivity enhancement. It is conjectured that hydrogen activation is particularly increased, possibly on MoO3 with transfer to CO chemisorbed on the Rh. 12 refs. (ERA citation 11:026821)