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AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorsGary B. McVicker, M. Albert Vannice
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This invention relates to unique supported potassium (or rubidium)-Group VIII-metal cluster catalysts which are useful in CO/H.sub.2 reactions (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions). The novel catalysts of the instant invention are prepared by depositing well characterized potassium (or rubidium)-Group VIII-metal carbonyl cluster complexes onto high surface area supports. Following a subsequent reduction, the precursor bimetallic cluster complexes are decomposed on the support surface forming a potassium (or rubidium) promoted Group VIII-metal cluster catalyst in which the potassium (or rubidium) and Group VIII metals are intimately associated. These unique, highly promoted cluster catalysts have been found to demonstrate high Group VIII-metal dispersions and enhanced Fischer-Tropsch activities and selectivities for producing olefinic and paraffinic hydrocarbons. In addition methane formation is dramatically reduced over the supported bimetallic cluster catalysts of the instant invention when compared to conventionally prepared supported potassium (or rubidium) promoted Group VIII-metal catalysts.
In a Fischer-Tropsch process reaction for the production of hydrocarbons from CO and H.sub.2 wherein CO and H.sub.2 are passed over a catalyst the improvement comprising using as the catalyst a supported potassium or rubidium-Group VIII metal cluster catalyst which catalyst is prepared by depositing a known, well-characterized potassium or rubidium-Group VIII metal carbonyl cluster complex on a high surface area support, drying the carbonyl cluster complex impregnated support in the absence of oxygen and reducing the supported complex at elevated temperatures, wherein using this catalyst in Fischer-Tropsch processes results in the selective formation of higher molecular weight paraffinic and olefinic hydrocarbons.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.