Comparative Study of Reduced and Sulfide Catalysts Based on Transition Metals in Conversion of CO and H₂

Abstract—Metallic (reduced) and sulfide heterogeneous catalysts based on Co and Mo and modified with alkali metals (K and Na) are comparatively studied in the synthesis of hydrocarbons and alcohols from syngas (CO + H₂). A significant amount of hydrocarbons is formed, when syngas is converted on cobalt and molybdenum metal catalysts. Modification of these catalysts with an alkali metal leads to suppression of the hydrogenation reaction and a decrease in the hydrocarbon yield; the yield of alcohol is low. A significantly higher amount of alcohol is obtained on molybdenum disulfide modified with potassium and cobalt in comparison with metal systems. The differences in catalytic activity are probably due to the structure of the active phase and different mechanisms of the reaction.