A study on isosynthesis via CO hydrogenation over ZrO2–CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts

The present study revealed the isosynthesis via CO hydrogenation over ZrO2–CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts. The catalysts were synthesized by coprecipitation and the physical mixing methods having various contents of CeO2. The physicochemical properties such as, BET surface area, cumulative pore volume, average pore diameter, crystallite size, acid-base properties and surface properties such as Zr3+ quantity were determined by various techniques. It was found that for the catalysts prepared by the coprecipitation method, CeO2 can be incorporated into ZrO2, resulting in the reduction of the crystallite size and pore volume. Intensity of Zr3+ changes with varying the CeO2 contents and the preparation methods. The catalytic performance tests revealed that the catalysts prepared by the physical mixing method offer higher catalytic activity than those prepared by the coprecipitation method. In addition, the change in the selectivity of isobutene in hydrocarbons of the catalysts can be well-correlated with the change in intensity of Zr3+.