Synthesis of light hydrocarbons from syngas in near-critical phase

Selective synthesis of light hydrocarbons from synthesis gas (syngas) over hybrid catalysts based on the Cu–Zn oxide and Pd-β zeolite in a near-critical phase was investigated. Light hydrocarbons were directly synthesized from syngas over the catalysts through an intermediate of methanol or DME. Introduction of near-critical fluid remarkably decreased the yield of CO2 by suppressing the water–gas shift reaction. Differences in activity, CO2 selectivity, hydrocarbon distributions, catalyst stability and heat transfer between near-critical and conventional gas phase light hydrocarbons synthesis were compared. Efficient removal of reaction heat increased the stability of the catalysts and selectivity of light hydrocarbons in the reaction.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (254 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hybrid catalysts based on the Cu–Zn oxide and Pd-β zeolite has been prepared. ► Light hydrocarbons were directly synthesized from syngas in a near-critical phase. ► Introduction of near-critical fluid remarkably decreased the yield of CO2 by suppressing the water–gas shift reaction. ► Efficiently removing reaction heat increased the stability of the catalysts and selectivity of light hydrocarbons.