Effect of Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 supported on H-ferrierite on hydrocarbons formation from CO hydrogenation

Methanol synthesis catalysts based on Cu, Zn and Al were prepared by three methods and subsequently mixed with H-ferrierite zeolite in an aqueous suspension to disperse the catalysts over the support. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, transmission electron microscopy, temperature programmed reduction, NH3 and H2 temperature-programmed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. They were also applied to the CO hydrogenation reaction to produce dimethyl ether and hydrocarbons. The catalysts were prepared by coprecipitation under low and high supersaturation conditions and by a homogeneous precipitation method. The preparation technique was found to affect the precursor structural characteristics, such as purity and crystallinity, as well as the particle size distribution of the resulting catalyst. Low supersaturation conditions favored high dispersion of the Cu species, increasing the methanol synthesis catalyst's metallic surface area and resulting in a homogeneous particle size distribution. These effects in turn were found to modify the zeolite properties, promoting both a low micropore volume and blockage of the zeolite acid sites. The effect of the methanol synthesis catalyst on the reaction was verified by the correlation between the Cu surface area and the CO conversion rate.

Graphical Abstract Catalysts consisting of Cu/Zn/Al supported on H-ferrierite zeolite prepared by coprecipitation under low supersaturation conditions exhibit a greater degree of Cu species dispersion, well-dispersed particles and reduced blockage of the zeolite acid sites.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide