Catalyst and process development for synthesis gas conversion to isobutylene. Quarterly report, July 1, 1992--September 30, 1992

A series of zirconia catalysts prepared by a modified sol gel procedure, coprecipitation with ammonium hydroxide, and by a hydrothermal method were evaluated for catalytic activity. These catalysts were prepared containing silicon, thorium, titanium, cerium and the alkali metals. A catalyst containing 2% thorium on zirconia was the most active. The isobutylene and isobutane selectivity were 19.4 wt % and 1.82 wt %, respectively. Macro- and micro-kinetic models indicate that C0{sub 2} formation inhibits the rate of CO conversion, hydrogen is dissociatively adsorbed, and CO is molecularly adsorbed. The microkinetic model indicates the strengthening of the metaloxygen bond might increase the production rate of isobutylene