TITLE: Transition Metal-Graphite Catalysts for Production of Light Hydrocarbons from Synthesis Gas. Annual Report, August 1, 1976--July 31, 1977.

AUTHOR: M. P. Rosynek.

INST.  AUTHOR: Texas A and M Univ., College Station. Dept. of Chemistry.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  Aug 77,  112p.

ABSTRACT:

Sodium- and potassium-graphite intercalates, although possessing high initial activities for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, do not behave catalytically for this reaction. A large fraction of carbon monoxide reactant becomes unreactively adsorbed on these materials, probably via formation of stable carbonyl-type structures, and inhibits the overall reaction rate. Furthermore, a permanent and irrecoverable loss of activity occurs after only brief usage, due to alkali metal destruction by the water molecules that are necessarily formed during reaction. With only minor variations, the behavior of potassium-reduced iron-graphite is similar to that of pure potassium-graphite. Removal of potassium-containing by-products from this material prior to use imparts behavior similar to that of an alumina-supported iron catalyst, but does not prevent the eventual, permanent loss of catalytic activity. The activity for Fischer-Tropsch conversion of a commercially-available metal aryl-reduced iron-graphite intercalate decreases with increasing reaction time, but eventually becomes stabilized at a level that is relatively independent of pretreatment conditions. The overall activity of this material is similar to that of a commercial iron/alumina catalyst, but its selectivity characteristics in the temperature range 225 to 325 exp 0 C are considerably different. The iron-graphite intercalate produces substantially smaller amounts of carbon dioxide and larger amounts of C sub 2+ hydrocarbon products at one atmosphere pressure than does the iron/alumina catalyst under identical conditions. (ERA citation 03:020858)

CONTRACT  NUMBER: EX-76-C-01-2467