This work describes the preparation
of mesoporous binary x%Fe2O3–Al2O3 mixed oxides with varying Fe2O3 nominal
loading (x = 5, 10, and 20 wt %) by a one-step soft
template sol–gel process. The binary oxides were used as catalysts
in CO2 hydrogenation to produce C2+ hydrocarbons.
The catalytic test was conducted at 280, 300, and 320 °C at a
pressure of 20 bar, under a gas mixture of H2 and CO2 with a molar ratio H2/CO2 = 3. The
main reaction products were methane, CO, C2- C4 olefins, and traces of C5+ compounds depending on the
Fe2O3 nominal content. The catalyst modified
with 20 wt % Fe2O3 displayed the best catalytic
performance in terms of C2+ hydrocarbons production. An
increase in the Fe2O3 nominal content from 5
to 20% induces a significant decrease in the reverse water gas shift
(RWGS) reaction because of a 5-fold higher surface exposure of the
Fe0 species. The TPR and FTIR results of adsorbed CO confirmed
an easier reduction of Fe2O3 species and a decrease
in the metallic-support interaction, as Fe2O3 content of the composite catalyst increased. A linear correlation
was found between the surface exposure of the Fe0 species
and the yield of C2+ hydrocarbons. Minimal coke deposition
was detected after reaction tests.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.