Role of surface carboxylate deposition on the deactivation of cobalt on titania Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

Operando spectroscopic techniques (Diffusive Reflective Infrared Fourier-Transform and Mössbauer emission spectroscopy) were combined to investigate the role of oxygenates deposition on deactivation cobalt titania Fischer-Tropsch catalysts at high pressure. Clear formation carboxylates was seen for prepared via both impregnation precipitation, but more heavier impregnated catalyst. This effect is related a higher olefin content in products obtained with sample, resulting increased through hydroformylation side reaction. The gas chromatography/infrared spectroscopy data demonstrated that surface carboxylate species are not involved catalyst deactivation, being most likely spectator support.