Synthesis of light hydrocarbons from syngas in near-critical phase Original Research Article

Selective synthesis of light hydrocarbons from synthesis gas (syngas) over hybrid catalysts based on the Cu–Zn oxide and Pd-β zeolite in a near-critical phase was investigated. Light hydrocarbons were directly synthesized from syngas over the catalysts through an intermediate of methanol or DME. Introduction of near-critical fluid remarkably decreased the yield of CO2 by suppressing the water–gas shift reaction. Differences in activity, CO2 selectivity, hydrocarbon distributions, catalyst stability and heat transfer between near-critical and conventional gas phase light hydrocarbons synthesis were compared. Efficient removal of reaction heat increased the stability of the catalysts and selectivity of light hydrocarbons in the reaction.