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Carbon deposition from propylene on polycrystalline and single crystal iron

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

In a study of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst poisoning, experiments showed that the rate of carbon deposition from propylene on polycrystalline iron foil or single crystal iron surfaces went through a maximum at approx. 600/sup 0/C. Carbon formation from propylene occurred only in the presence of hydrogen, increased with increasing hydrogen partial pressure, and was independent of propylene partial pressure. No gasification of carbon by hydrogen occurred up to 530/sup 0/C. Iron was always distributed throughout the carbon, presumably as iron carbide. An analysis of the data suggested that below 600/sup 0/C, carbon formed via monocarbon fragments and iron carbide intermediates, and that on fresh surfaces, the reaction which had an activation energy of 36 kcal/mole, was rate-limited by the migration of carbon from iron carbide through the bulk ..cap alpha..-iron. As the deposition of carbon proceeds, encapsulation builds up, iron carbide accumulates on the surface, and the reaction changes to an iron carbide-catalyzed production of carbon as the rate-determining step of a reaction whose apparent activation energy is 21 kcal/mole. Above 600/sup 0/C, the activation energies for fresh and used iron become negative and the rate-controlling step is apparently the surface reaction.

Research Organization:
Norges Tek. Hoegsk., Trondheim
OSTI ID:
6318491
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 62:1; ISSN JCTLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English