Unveiling the Structure Sensitivity for Direct Conversion of Syngas to C2-Oxygenates with a Multicomponent-Promoted Rh Catalyst

A Systematic Approach to Study Complex Ternary Co-Promoter Interactions: Addition of Ir, Li, and Ti to RhMn/SiO2 for Syngas Conversion to Ethanol

The direct conversion of synthesis gas could open up economically viable routes for the efficient production of ethanol. RhMn/SiO2 represents one of the most active systems reported thus far. Potential improvements were reported by added dopants, i.e., Ir, Ti, and Li. Yet, combining these elements leads to contradicting results, owing to the complexity of the interactions in a multi-promoted system. This complexity is often encountered in heterogeneous catalysis. We report a systematic data-driven approach for the assessment of complex multi-promoter interactions based on a combination of design-of-experiment, high-throughput experimentation, statistical analysis, and mechanistic assessment. We illustrate this approach for the system RhMn/SiO2 promoted with Ir, Li, and Ti. Using this approach, we investigate the impact of promoters’ interactions on a mechanistic level. Our analysis depicts the means to learn hidden correlations in the performance data and, additionally, high performance for ethanol yield for the RhMnIr/SiO2 catalyst. The method presented outlines an efficient way to also elucidate co-promoter interactions in other complex environments.

Recent advances in the direct conversion of syngas to oxygenates

Direct synthesis of oxygenates from syngas is a promising way to utilize non-petroleum carbon resources because the oxygenate products serve as precursors for the downstream production of fuels and value-added chemicals.