Use of Surfactants in Manufacture of Catalysts for Conversion of Methane

Abstract

Effects are compared of various surfactants on the properties of an impregnating solution of nickel and aluminum nitrates in the condensate, used in manufacture of supported catalysts for conversion of methane. It was shown that use of synthanols (oxyethylated alcohols, which are nonionogenic surfactants) makes it possible to significantly (by three orders of magnitude) reduce the necessary content of surfactants in solution, which is confirmed by many years of industrial experience. Results are presented of quantum-chemical calculations of the interaction of synthanol molecules with nickel ions. The use of synthanol can substantially reduce the probability of carbonization of the catalyst surface and the possible carryover of a part of metal ions with the impregnating solution and also diminish the toxicity and the explosion hazard in the production area.