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Title: Effect of preparation methods on the catalytic properties of zeolite-supported ruthenium in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)

Three preparation techniques (incipient wetness using a solution of ruthenium chloride (RuCl/sub 3/), vapor impregnation by the ruthenium carbonyl (Ru/sub 3/(CO)/sub 12/), and ion exchange with Ru(NH/sub 3/)/sub 6/Cl/sub 3/) have been used to prepare sodium (Na)Y zeolite-supported ruthenium catalysts. The effect of these preparation methods on the activity and product selectivity of the Ru catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was examined at temperatures in the range of 220 to 320/sup 0/C, a pressure of 1 atm, a CO/H/sub 2/ ratio of 1, and flow rates in the range GHSV = 1800 to 3600 h/sup -1/. It was found that there is a good inverse correlation of turnover numbers for CO conversion to the CO/H adsorption ratio, suggesting that the relative availability of adsorbed H/sub 2/ and CO determines catalyst activity during reaction. Selectivity in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was greatly influenced by the preparation method and metal loading. Catalysts prepared by incipient wetness produced mainly methane. Catalysts prepared by vapor impregnation had the best selectivities for higher hydrocarbons and olefins even though they had the smallest average Ru particle sizes. The observed changes in adsorption, activity, and selectivity with preparation method appear to result from differences produced in metal location in/on the zeolite, metal particle size, and zeolite-metal interactions. 12 figures, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-81PC40774
OSTI ID:
5597125
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Vol. 83:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English