Abstract:

Novel Cu-Co/SiO2 catalysts were prepared by conventional impregnation methods with the assistance of glow discharge plasma technology. Compared with a conventional calcined sample, the plasma remarkably improved the specific surface area of the catalyst and increased the concentration of active cobalt species on the catalyst's surface. The reducibility of the cobalt was effectively improved as well. Catalytic test results showed that comparison to the conventional 673 K calcined sample, the CO hydrogenation activity of the two plasma enhanced samples (one treated only by plasma and the other assisted by plasma followed by calcination) increased by 30.46% and 65.30%, respectively. Their time space yields of higher alcohols also increased by 58.22% and 76.11%, respectively, under 5.0 MPa, 6000 h-1, 563 K and a H2 /CO volume ratio of 1.6.

Key words: Glow discharge plasma, CO hydrogenation, Copper-cobalt based catalyst, Higher alcohol