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Title: Development of a catalyst for conversion of syngas-derived materials to isobutylene. Quarterly report No. 10, July 1, 1993--September 30, 1993

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10157655· OSTI ID:10157655

Two types of basic metal oxide co-catalysts have been evaluated in combination with CU/Zn/Al oxide methanol synthesis catalyst for the production of isoalcohols, KOH on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} or SiO{sub 2} and alkali metal impregnated Mg/Al MOSSs. Catalytic performance with the K/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} co-catalyst is virtually identical to that of the SiO{sub 2} blank, indicating that this material is inert. In contrast, the K/SiO{sub 2} co-catalyst actually reduces the activity and selectivity of the Cu/Zn/Al methanol synthesis catalyst. Therefore, this approach has been abandoned. Previous testing of Mg/Al MOSS co-catalysts has shown promotion of DME, rather than isoalcohols, presumably by methanol, dehydration on residual acid sites. Addition of 0.2--0.3 wt % alkali (Na, K, and Cs) to the Mg/Al MOSS is not effective for reducing the formation of DME. Attempts to produce isobutanol with Pd/K on Zr/Zn/Mn oxide catalysts, similar to those described by Keim and coworkers, at low pressure conditions have been successful. Catalysts were prepared by the impregnation of Pd (0.15 wt %) from either PdCl{sub 2} or Pd(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} preformed K/Zr/Zn/Mn oxide. Materials with two levels of K were also prepared. All of these catalyst show only low activity for syngas to alcohols, with methanol as the only alcohol product. The primary products in these tests are C{sub l--4} hydrocarbons. Blank reactor testing has demonstrated that a substantial portion of the light hydrocarbons produced in these 450{degrees}C tests are due to reactions on the stainless steel reactor walls and quartz reactor packing material. Attempts to reduce the extent of these side reactions by the use of a porcelain-lined reactor have been unsuccessful.

Research Organization:
UOP, Inc., Des Plaines, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-91PC90042
OSTI ID:
10157655
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/90042-T9; ON: DE94013072; BR: AA2520000
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: [1993]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English