Catalytic conversion of ethanol over supported KCoMoS2 catalysts for synthesis of oxygenated hydrocarbons

The effect of alumina, carbon-coated alumina (CCA), and two commercial activated carbons (ACs) supports on trimetallic KCoMoS2 catalysts for ethanol conversion was studied. Supports and catalysts were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron (HRTEM) microscopy, UV spectral analysis of pyridine adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N2 physisorption to study their structural properties and morphology. The reactions were carried out under hydrogen and helium reaction atmospheres in a fixed-bed reactor. Catalysts supported on various ACs were found to be more active than those supported on γ-Al2O3 and CCA. The turnover frequency (TOF) in all the studied reactions increased both with an increase in the average length (L¯) and with a decrease in dispersion (D). Product yields were higher under a helium atmosphere compared to a hydrogen atmosphere. Conversion of ethanol is supposed to occur on MoS2-based catalysts with account for the nature of the support and effects of the reaction atmosphere. The influence of catalyst acidity on product distribution and conversion was investigated; acidity was found to have no direct effect on total conversion, yet it influenced product yields. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd