Bimetal modified ordered mesoporous carbon as a support of Rh catalyst for ethanol synthesis from syngas

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) containing highly dispersed iron and manganese bimetal particles have been synthesized by an organic–organic self-assembly method. The characterization results showed that the ordered mesostructure of carbons still remained after the incorporation of bimetal particles into the carbon matrix. These materials were used as supports of Rh based catalysts for ethanol synthesis from CO hydrogenation reaction. The catalysts supported on the metal modified OMC exhibited much better activity and selectivity than that supported on the OMC without modified metal particles and conventional catalysts supported on silica.

► We synthesized ordered mesoporous carbon modified by Mn and Fe bimetal.
► The introduction of bimetal particles does not destroy ordered mesostructure.
► Catalysts supported on metal modified carrier exhibited better activity.
► High activity is caused by the synergistic effect of carrier and intimate contact.