Support and cluster effects on synthesis gas conversion with supported ruthenium clusters

• Published in: Journal of molecular catalysis 1983-10, Vol.21 (1-3), p.189-202
• Main Authors: Pierantozzi, Ronald, Valagene, Ellen G., Nordquist, Andrew F., Dyer, Paul N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0304-5102
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-5102(93)80119-F

[Ru3(CO)12] and [H4Ru4(CO)12] supported on Al2O3 and MgO exhibited differences in catalytic behavior which can be attributed to the surface organometallic chemistry of the clusters. When supported on Al2O3, [Ru3(CO)12] decomposed to Ru metal on reaction with synthesis gas, and exhibited catalytic behavior that is similar to Ru/Al2O3 prepared by classical methods. On MgO, [Ru3(CO)12] resulted in significant CH3OH production from synthesis gas. After catalysis, the anionic cluster [Ru6C(CO)16]2− was identified on the catalyst, which results from the reaction of [HR3(CO)11]− and [Ru6(CO)18]2−, originally present on the support, with CO + H2. [H4Ru4-(CO)12] supported on Al2O3 and MgO also resulted in significant oxygenate yields from CO + H2. [H3Ru4(CO)12]− was originally present on the surface and reacts with synthesis gas to give [Ru6C(CO)16]2−. The oxygenate selectivity is suggested to be a result of the presence of intact metal clusters on the surface.