Influence of preparation parameters on catalytic performance of samaria in isosynthesis

Isosynthesis is referred to the reaction that selectively converts syn-gas (CO + H2) to i-C4 hydrocarbons. Sm2O3 catalysts were prepared using a sol–gel technique with changing preparing parameters and the structure and textural properties of the catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, XRD and TEM. The influences of preparation parameters on the physical properties and the catalytic performance of Sm2O3 in isosynthesis were studied. The results showed that the Sm2O3 catalysts had lower activity but higher iso-C4 selectivity in the CO hydrogenation, compared with ZrO2 catalysts. Different preparation parameters had effects on the catalytic performance of Sm2O3 in isosynthesis. The Sm2O3 catalysts prepared by alco-method with highest surface area had the highest activity for iso-C4 formation.