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U.S. Department of Energy
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Direct synthesis of 2-methyl-1-propanol/methanol fuels and feedstocks: Quarterly technical progress report, September--November 1986

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6421732· OSTI ID:6421732

A five parameter kinetic reaction network has been developed for the synthesis of oxygenates from synthesis gas over a 0.4% Cs promoted Cu/ZnO catalyst. The model successfully describes the 16-compound alcohol and ester product distribution obtained over this catalyst for a range of operating conditions, and it has been used to predict the conditions required to attain specified 2-methyl-1- propanol/methanol selectivities and yields. The temperature dependence and apparent activation energy was determined for each of the model parameters, thus allowing the prediction of the product composition in a wide range of process conditions. Additional studies, in which /sup 13/C labeled alcohols have been added to the feed gas, show that the distribution of the /sup 13/C in the product alcohols and esters is consistent with the proposed reaction paths of the kinetic network. A medium term stability test with the Cs promoted Cu/ZnO catalyst has been carried out at conditions predicted by the model to maximize the alcohol yield while maintaining a 70/30 weight ratio of methanol to higher alcohols. Deactivation of this catalyst by exposure to iron carbonyl was then investigated. Long term tests are being carried out for the determination of the catalyst performance in the absence of iron carbonyls. 4 refs., 16 figs.

Research Organization:
Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-84PC70021
OSTI ID:
6421732
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/70021-8; ON: DE89008264
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English