Nickel and potassium co-modified β-Mo 2C catalyst for CO conversion

Abstract

Nickel and potassium co-modified β-Mo 2C catalysts were prepared and used for CO hydrogenation reaction. The major products over β-Mo 2C were C 1–C 4 hydrocarbons, only few alcohols were obtained. Addition of potassium resulted in remarkable selectivity shift from hydrocarbons to alcohols at the expense of CO conversion over β-Mo 2C. Moreover, it was found that potassium enhanced the ability of chain propagation with a higher C 2+OH production. Modified by nickel, β-Mo 2C showed a relatively high CO conversion, however, the products were similar to those of pure β-Mo 2C. When co-modified by nickel and potassium, β-Mo 2C exhibited high activity and selectivity towards mixed alcohols synthesis, and also the whole chain propagation to produce alcohols especially for the stage of C 1OH to C 2OH was remarkably enhanced. It was concluded that the Ni and K had, to some extent, synergistic effect on CO conversion.