Carbon Monoxide Hydrogenation over Zirconia Supported Ni and Co-Ni Bimetallic Catalysts

Zirconia supported nickel and cobalt-nickel bimetallic catalysts were prepared and characterized for various physico-chemical properties. The hydrogenation of carbon monoxide was studied over these catalysts in the pressure range of 101.3–1654kPa, temperature range of 513–533K, weight hourly space velocity range of 8–14h−1 and H2/CO mole ratio of 2. Catalysts containing both Co and Ni were found to give higher C5+ hydrocarbons selectivity compared to that containing only Ni. A maximum C5+ hydrocarbons selectivity of 55wt% was obtained at 655kPa pressure, 523K and 9.6h−1 of WHSV with catalyst containing 4.03wt% Co and 2.64wt% Ni. The C2 and C3 olefin contents of the products decreased with increase in pressure. Improved deactivation behavior of the catalysts was observed when operated at high pressure.