207.    BERL, E., AND JÜNGLING, K.  [Synthesis of Higher Hydrocarbons From Water Gas at Atmospheric Pressure.]  Ztschr. Angew. Chem., vol. 43, 1930, pp. 435-440; Chem. Abs., vol. 24, 1930, p. 3984.

                  In the Fischer and Tropsch water-gas reaction (see abs. 1018), an Fe catalyst gives a different course of reaction than a Co catalyst; Fe reacts with CO, Co with H₂.  In the preparation of catalysts, it is best to start with metal nitrates and convert them to oxides or metals.  The presence of Cu in a catalyst is advantageous.  Co catalysts are more active than Fe catalysts, the former converting O₂ to H₂O the latter O₂ to CO₂.  The method of reduction is important in catalyst preparation.  It must be done slowly at low temperature, preferably not above the operating temperature.  The same precautions are needed in catalyst regeneration.  With Co, heating in H₂ to about 330° is best.  With Fe, heating in pure H₂ is not satisfactory; air regeneration at about 400° and reduction by water gas at the operating temperature is preferable.  Catalysts can operate for weeks or months without regeneration.