Mechanisms of the action of alkali metal admixtures on the properties of copper–zinc–aluminum water–gas shift catalysts

The effect of alkali metal (Cs, Na) admixtures on the catalytic and physicochemical properties of coprecipitated Cu–Zn–Al catalysts for the low-temperature water–gas shift reaction has been investigated. The inhibition of the formation of methanol, an undesired by-product, by alkali metals is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of the catalyst in the main, water–gas shift reaction ion. The alkali metals exert an adverse effect on the thermal stability of the catalyst. Experimental data are explained in a consistent way on the basis of the following conceptions of the mechanism of the action of alkali metals: (1) the alkali metals stimulate sintering of the crystal structure of the main components of the catalyst, diminishing the activity of the catalyst in the water–gas shift reaction and in methanol formation; (2) the alkali metals directly or indirectly accelerate methanol conversion into other chemical products.