Ultradispersed Electro-explosive Iron Powders as Catalysts for Synthesis of Liquid Hydrocarbons of CO and H2

Catalytic activity of ultradispersed iron powders (UDIP) obtained by electric explosion of the conductor in media of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide in synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch method was studied. It was shown that iron powder obtained in media of CO2 has the highest specific surface area. A sample of powder was pelletized at pressure of 21 MPa during 30 seconds with use of 10 mass% polyvinyl alcohol as adhesive for experimentation in catalytic system. Catalyst fraction of 1-2 mm was selected for study. The experiments were carried out under conditions of 1 MPa, 300 mln/min of total reactants consumption, and varied values of temperature and reactants ratio. The maximal conversion level of CO was reached at 290°С and reactants ratio of H2:CO = 2 in the initial mixture. It was shown that UDIP has high activity at lowered concentration of hydrogen in the initial mixture. The obtained mixture of liquid hydrocarbons is applicable for further refining for upgrading and improving of operating features.