K (9 wt %)-promoted Co-Rh-Mo catalysts supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and activated carbon (AC) are used to study the long term deactivation for continuous 720 h of higher alcohols synthesis (HAS) from synthesis gas. The catalysts are tested for HAS under similar conditions of 330�C, 9.1 MPa (1320 psig), and 3.8 m3 (STP)/(kg of cat.)/h using H2 to CO molar ratio of 1.25. The alkali-promoted trimetallic Co-Rh-Mo catalyst supported on MWCNTs has shown two different deactivation steps: loss of sulfur from the surface and sintering of the catalyst species located on the outer surfaces of the carbon nanotubes. 12% and 30% loss of activity was observed with the catalysts supported on MWCNT and AC, respectively. Characterizations of the spent catalyst supported on activated carbon revealed that deactivation occurs due to sintering of metal sulfides, which causes low metal dispersions and high pore blockage of the support.

Long term deactivation studies of novel catalysts for higher alcohols synthesis

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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