3139.     SCHÜTZA, H.  [Behavior of Active Cobalt Toward Water in the Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst.]  Chemie-Ing. Tech., vol. 21, 1949, pp. 177-179; Ind. Chemist, vol. 25, 1949, pp. 450-451; Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 6497.

        Metallic Co in active form is contained in the catalyst of very small particle size.  The equilibrium CoO+H₂=Co+H₂O is calculated on the basis of increased active surface and resulting higher surface energy.  The calculations and some of the experimental data indicate that in commercial practice oxidation of the catalyst may occur with corresponding inactivation of the metallic Co.