Higher Alcohol Synthesis From Syngas Over Co or Rh Promoted Alkali Modified Molybdenum Sulfide Catalysts

The promotional effects of Co and Rh on K-Mo/MWCNT catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis from synthesis gas (molar ratio of H2 to Co is equal to 1) were examined. The catalysts were extensively characterized in oxide and sulfide phases. The metal dispersions of 39 and 42 % were observed on the MWCNT supported 15 wt. % Mo and 9 wt % K catalysts that are promoted with 4.5 wt.% Co and 1.5 wt.% Rh, respectively. The highest total alcohol yield of 0.207 gm/(gm of cat.)/h was observed on the catalyst that was promoted with 6 wt. % Co whereas the catalyst with 4.5 wt.% Co exhibited the maximum selectivity of 14 and 23 % towards ethyl alcohol and higher alcohols, respectively at 320 oC and 8.27 MPa. The maximum total alcohol yield of 0.211 gm/(gm of cat.)/h, ethanol selectivity of 16 % and higher alcohols selectivity of 25% were observed on the catalyst with 1.5 wt. % Rh at 320 oC and 8.3 MPa.