Enhancement of MoO3–K2O/CNTs nanocatalyst activity and selectivity in higher alcohols synthesis using microemulsion technique

Abstract

Alkalized MoS₂ nanocatalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is prepared using microemultion technique with water-to-surfactant ratios of 1–4. The nanocatalysts were extensively characterized by different methods and their activity and selectivity in higher alcohols synthesis (HAS) been assessed in a fixed bed micro-reactor. The physico-chemical properties and performance of the nanocatalysts were compared with the catalyst prepared by impregnation method. Very narrow particle size distribution has been produced by the microemulsion technique at the relatively high loading of active metal (15 wt.% Mo). The TEM images showed that small Mo nanoparticles are confined inside the CNTs and the on the outer surface of the CNTs (2–7 nm). Using microemultion technique with water to surfactant ratio of one; the average MoO₃ particle sizes decreased to 4.5 nm, the %dispersion increased to 60.75 and …