Carbon monoxide hydrogenation over carbon supported cobalt or ruthenium catalysts. promoting effects of magnesium, vanadium and cerium oxides

The promoting effects of magnesium, vanadium and cerium oxides on cobalt and ruthenium/carbon catalysts in the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide have been compared. The reducibility of the promoted and unpromoted catalysts was investigated by temperature-programmed reduction. In all cases the added oxide promoter enhanced the specific activity and the selectivity for alkenes and long chain hydrocarbons. These results are discussed on the basis of a general mechanism of promotion.