TITLE: Probe molecule studies: Active species in alcohol synthesis. Fourth quarterly report, July 1991--September 1991.

AUTHOR: D. G. Blackmond;   I. Wender.

INST.  AUTHOR: Pittsburgh Univ., PA. Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  Sep 91,  8p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE92002746INW

ABSTRACT:

The goal of this research is to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms of formation of alcohols and other oxygenates from syngas over supported catalysts. Probe molecules will be added in situ during the reaction to help delineate reaction pathways and identify reaction intermediate species. The key of our study is to investigate how the species generated by these probe molecules interact with surface species present during oxygenate formation. A reaction and analysis system capable of carrying out the experiments for this study was set up, modified, and tested (see DOE Quarterly Reports No.1, No.3). CO hydrogenation reactions are being carried out in both the presence and the absence of the probe molecule under conditions which favor the formation of oxygenated products. Cu/ZnO/Al(sub 2)O(sub 3), as well as supported Pd and/or Rh, without and with alkali promoters are catalysts for this study.  Nitromethane, acetylenic compounds, alcohols are possible choices as probe molecules for this study. The effectiveness of these probe molecules for the study of mechanisms of alcohol synthesis has to be determined experimentally based on different catalyst systems and reaction conditions. 3 figs.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/90305-T4

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-90PC90305