Nanostructured catalysts for synthesis gas conversion
Krijn P. de Jong
Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
Utrecht University, The Netherlands; k.p.dejong@uu.nl
Synthesis gas, a mixture of CO and H2, can be produced from any carbon-containing
feedstock such as natural gas, coal or biomass as well as from hydrogenation of CO2.
Supported metal catalysts are used for synthesis gas conversion to alternative fuels and
chemicals. Here we present studies of size and distribution of nanoparticles in supported Co,
Cu and Fe catalysts and the impact on catalytic performance.
First, for cobalt catalysts we report the effects of both particle size and particle distribution
over the support to arrive at high performance for conversion of synthesis gas to higher
alkanes [1].
Second, for copper catalysts limited effects of size but large effects of nanoparticle
distribution in particular on stability for methanol synthesis are apparent [2].
Third, favorable effects of a controlled size and distribution of Fe nanoparticles on an alphaalumina or carbon nanofiber support for FTO (Fischer Tropsch to lower Olefins) performance
are presented [3].
References
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