Combined Operando X-ray Diffraction/Raman Spectroscopy of Catalytic Solids in the Laboratory: The Co/TiO2 Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalyst Showcase

Korneel H. Cats, Bert M. Weckhuysen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A novel laboratory setup for combined operando X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy of catalytic solids with online product analysis by gas chromatography is presented. The setup can be used with a laboratory-based X-ray source, which results in important advantages in terms of time-on-stream that can be measured, compared to synchrotron-based experiments. The data quality was much improved by the use of a relatively high-energy MoKalpha radiation instead of the more conventional CuKalpha radiation. We have applied the instrument to study the long-term deactivation of Co/TiO2 Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts. No sign of Co sintering or bulk oxidation was found during the experiments. However, part of the metallic Co was converted into cobalt carbide (Co2C), at elevated pressure (10bar). Furthermore, graphitic-like coke species are clearly formed during FTS at atmospheric pressure, whereas at elevated pressure fluorescence hampered the interpretation of the measured Raman spectra.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChemCatChem
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Pages1531-1542
Number of pages12
Volume8
ISBN (Print)1867-3899
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameChemCatChem
Volume8

Keywords

  • Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • X-ray diffraction
  • carbon
  • cobalt

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