TRANSITION METAL-GRAPHITE CATALYSTS FOR PRODUCTION OF LIGHT HYDROCARBONS FROM SYNTHESIS GAS

摘要

Sodium- and potassium-graphites, although possessing high initial activites for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, do not behave catalytically for this reaction. A large fraction of carbon monoxide reactant becomes unreactively adsorbed on these materials, probably via formation of stable carbonyl-type structures, and inhibits the overall reaction rate. Furthermore, a permanent and irrecoverable loss of activity occurs after only brief usage due to alkali metal destruction by water formed during the reaction. With only minor vari¬ations, the behavior of potassium-reduced iron-graphite is similar to that of pure potassium-graphite. Removal of potassium-containing by-products prior to use considerably lowers the initial activity, but does not prevent the eventual, permanent activity loss.