In situ observation of phase changes of a silica‐supported cobalt catalyst for the Fischer–Tropsch process by the development of a synchrotron‐compatible in situ/operando powder X‐ray diffraction cell. (26th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoffman, Adam S.; Singh, Joseph A.; Bent, Stacey F.; Bare, Simon R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of synchrotron radiation. Volume 25:Part 6(2018)
• Page Start: 1673
• Page End: 1682
• Publication Date: 2018-10-26
• Subjects: synchrotron -- X‐ray diffraction -- Fischer–Tropsch -- catalysis; Synchrotron radiation -- Periodicals; Free electron lasers -- Periodicals; 539.73505
• DOI: 10.1107/S1600577518013942
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0909-0495

Abstract

Abstract : An in situ catalysis powder X‐ray diffraction cell compatible with scattering beamlines at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource has been designed, fabricated and tested. The experimental cell's performance was tested by the characterization of a silica‐supported Co catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and demonstrated that metallic Co can be carburized at a faster rate at 20 bar compared with at ambient pressure. Abstract : In situ characterization of catalysts gives direct insight into the working state of the material. Here, the design and performance characteristics of a universal in situ synchrotron‐compatible X‐ray diffraction cell capable of operation at high temperature and high pressure, 1373 K, and 35 bar, respectively, are reported. Its performance is demonstrated by characterizing a cobalt‐based catalyst used in a prototypical high‐pressure catalytic reaction, the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, using X‐ray diffraction. Cobalt nanoparticles supported on silica were studied in situ during Fischer–Tropsch catalysis using syngas, H2 and CO, at 723 K and 20 bar. Post reaction, the Co nanoparticles were carburized at elevated pressure, demonstrating an increased rate of carburization compared with atmospheric studies.