Direct Conversion Syngas to Isobutanol over Ce/ZC Catalysts: Effect of Ce Promoter on the Catalytic Performance

The fuel-efficient production of isobutanol via CO hydrogenation is a meaningful path, but still remains large challenges. Here, varied contents Ce promoter were introduced to optimize the catalytic performance of ZnCr-based catalysts. The evaluation results displayed that 2.5-Ce/ZC catalyst obtained optimum total alcohols yield and isobutanol selectivity. A combination of XPS, TPD, and in-situ FTIR measurements was performed to probe into the enhancing effect of Ce promoter. The XPS characterization results disclosed the evident changes in the oxygen vacancy concentration and electron structure derived from Ce doping. Furthermore, this unique structure promoted the formation of HCOO species, and modulated the HCOO binding with proper strength to enable further carbon chain growth. According to the acid-base properties tests, the doping of Ce introduced meaningful medium strong acid and base sites. The facilitated C-C coupling activity was a forthright result that led to the production of C2+ products, especially isobutanol.

Automated summary

The introduction of Ce promoter optimized the catalytic performance of ZnCr-based catalysts, promoting the formation of HCOO species, carbon chain growth, and C-C coupling activity, ultimately leading to the production of isobutanol.