Synthesis of C2-oxygenates from syngas over Rh-based catalyst supported on SiO2, TiO2 and SiO2-TiO2 mixed oxide

SiO2,TiO2 and SiO2-TiO2 mixed oxide were synthesized by sol-gel method and used as supports for Rh-based catalysts. The effect of support on the performance of Rh-based catalysts for C-2-oxygenates synthesis from syngas was investigated by XRD, N-2 adsorption-desorption. FT-IR, H-2-TPD. H-2-TPR and TPSR techniques. The results indicated that SiO2-TiO2 supported catalyst had higher dispersion of Rh and thus more Rh+ sites, better capability for CO adsorption and dissociation, and moderate ability for hydrogenation. As a result, SiO2-TiO2 supported Rh-based catalyst exhibited higher activity and C-2 oxygenates selectivity compared with counterparts supported on TiO2 and SiO2. (C) 2012 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.