A study of Rh-Sm-V/SiO2 catalysts for the preparation of C2-oxygenates from syngas Original Research Article

Rh-Sm-V/SiO2 catalysts for the preparation of C2-oxygenates were studied by CO+H2 reactions under medium pressure, temperature-programmed reduction, adsorption of H2 and CO, and desorption of adsorbed hydrogen. The addition of Sm and V to the Rh/SiO2 catalyst obviously promoted the activity and selectivity to C2-oxygenates. The Sm3+ ions on the catalysts can be reduced only with difficulty. These Sm3+ ions play roles of improving the dispersion of rhodium, increasing the uptakes of CO and H2, and promoting the formation of acetic acid and acetaldehyde. Vanadium ions of lower valence have a good capacity of hydrogen storage, and this can enhance the hydrogenation ability of the catalyst, as well as promoting the formation of ethanol.