Synergic promotion effects of Ni and Mn on the synthesis of higher alcohols from syngas over alkali Co-MoS2 catalyst

A series of Ni and Mn-promoted K-Co-MoS2 catalysts supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared via incipient impregnation method. All catalysts were characterized in oxide and sulfide state using different techniques. The influence of promoters on the catalytic performance in higher alcohols synthesis from syngas was investigated in a fixed-bed micro-reactor. Phase analysis as well as physico-chemical characteristics studies were applied for the interpretation of the results. The temperature programmed reduction results showed that simultaneous addition of Ni and Mn led to easier reduction of active metals. Diffraction peaks representing the characteristics of K-Mo-S phase were demonstrated in the X-ray diffraction pattern of sulfide forms of catalysts. The maximum total alcohol space time yield of 0.323 g/(g of catalyst)/h and total alcohols selectivity of 52.40 % were observed in the catalyst with 3 wt% Mn, 3 wt% Ni, 4 wt% Co, 8 wt% K, and 15 wt% Mo on MWCNTs in reaction conditions.