Characterization and Activity of Iron-Manganese Catalysts for Carbon Monoxide Hydrogenation

Studies on the structural changes and catalytic behavior of iron-manganese catalysts for CO hydrogenation were conducted using Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction and kinetic measurements. It was observed that the reduction of the mixed oxide catalyst precursors proceeds via the formation of Fe_3-xMn_xO₄,Mn_3-xFe_xO₄ mixed spinel and Fe_1-zMn₂O mixed oxide to α-iron and MnO. After use for CO hydrogenation, catalysts are oxidized as well as carburized. The Mn_3-yFe_yO₄ mixed spinel and Fe_1-2Mn_zO mixed oxide are the most powerful phases for olefin production. The highest attainable 2–4 low carbon olefin selectivity is 41% with an 86% conversion level. Higher manganese content or lower reduction temperatures may change the carbide formed from χ-Fe₅C₂ to the more unstable ?′-Fe₂₂C. Carbide formation is greatly dependent on manganese content and activation procedure used.