TITLE: Probe molecule studies: Active species in alcohol synthesis.  Quarterly report No. 2, January 1991-March 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],  Apr 91,  17p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE91014721INW

ABSTRACT:

The goal of this research is to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms of formation of alcohols and other oxygenates from synthesis gas. Various probe molecules will be added in situ during the reaction to help delineate reaction pathways and identify reaction intermediate species. We will be specifically looking at how the species generated by these probe molecules interact with surface species present during oxygenate formation. Following the incorporation of these species in the reaction products will help us to understand issues including the role of promoter species, the nature of intermediates, the CO insertion reaction, and the apparent A-S-F product distribution of oxygenates over supported metals. Catalyst studied will include silica-supported Pd and Rh with and without alkali or oxide promoters as well as the important Cu/ZnO system for methanol synthesis. Nitromethane will be one of the probe molecules which will be studied. A well characterized commercial methanol synthesis catalyst has been selected. CO hydrogenation reaction was carried out over this catalyst under various conditions of pressure and temperature in order to determine the optimum conditions for our experiments. A silica-supported Pd catalyst for methanol synthesis was also prepared.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/90305-T2

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-90PC90305