What Is the Effect of Promoter Loading on Alkalized Bimetallic Co–Mo Catalyst for Higher Alcohols Synthesis from Syngas?

Abstract

Manganese and nickel co-modified K/Co/MoS₂ catalysts supported on graphene were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method for application in higher alcohol synthesis (HAS). All catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of promoters, as well as supports on higher alcohol synthesis production from syngas, was investigated in a fixed bed reactor. The process was performed with an molar ratio H₂ : CO = 1 : 1, operating pressure and temperature of 4 MPa and 330°C, respectively, and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) 3.84 m³(STP)/(kg_cat h) as reaction conditions (STP— standard temperature and pressure). Results originated from practical works showed that the addition of Ni to the graphene-based catalyst increased HAS production and decreased methanol formation. The total alcohols space-time yield (STY) and alcohol selectivity on Ni/Mn/Co/Mo/K/graphene catalyst reached a maximum at 0.41 g_alc/(g_cat h) and 63.51%, respectively, which is higher than the same composition over alumina supported catalyst.