Studies on the catalytic properties for CO hydrogenation of supported Cu catalysts prepared by SMAI method

SiO2 and Cr2O3 supported Cu catalysts were prepared by Solvated Metal Atom Impregnation (SMAI) method. XPS measurement showed that Cu on both supports almost totally exists in zero valent state. X-ray broadening measurement showed that the Cu particle sizes increased as the Cu content increased. The catalytic activity for CO hydrogenation of Cu catalysts were related to the supported Cu particle sizes and Cu valent states. Cr2O3 had promotion effect on Cu catalytic activity. The catalytic activity of Cu catalyst supported on Cr2O3 decreased as Cu partical size increased, while with SiO2 as support, Cu particle size had no effect on the activity. Zero valent Cu-0 was the active center for CO hydrogenation.