K-modulated Co nanoparticles trapped in La-Ga-O as superior catalysts for higher alcohols synthesis from syngas

Abstract

Owing to the outstanding catalytic performance for higher alcohol synthesis, Ga-Co catalysts have attracted much attention. In view of their unsatisfactory stability and alcohol selectivity, herein, K-modulated Co nanoparticles trapped in La-Ga-O catalysts were prepared by the reduction of La1−xKxCo0.65Ga0.35O3 perovskite precursor. Benefiting from the atomic dispersion of all the elements in the precursor, during the reduction of La1−xKxCo0.65Ga0.35O3, Co nanoparticles could be confined into the K-modified La-Ga-O composite oxides, and the confinement of La-Ga-O could improve the anti-sintering performance of Co nanoparticles. In addition, the addition of K modulated parts of La-Ga-O into La2O3, which ameliorated the anti-carbon deposition performance. Finally, the addition of K increased the dispersion of cobalt and provided more electron donors to metallic Co, resulting in a high activity and superior selectivity to higher alcohols. Benefiting from the above characteristics, the catalyst possesses excellent activity, good selectivity, and superior stability.