Selective Formation of Light Olefins from CO+H2 Over Silica Supported Co/CeO2 Prepared by Fusion Method: Preparation, Characterization and Operational Conditions Effects

The catalyst containing 80%Co/20%Ce/15wt%SiO2 was prepared using fusion procedure and studied for the conversion of synthesis gas to light olefins. The effect of a range of operating variables such as the pressure, temperature and H2/CO molar feed ratio on the catalytic performance of fused catalyst was investigated. It was found that the best operating conditions are H2/CO=2/1, T=350°C and P=2 bar. The results are interpreted in terms of the structure of active catalyst. Characterization of both precursor and calcined catalysts was carried out using Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and BET surface area measurements.