Synthesis of C2-oxygenates from syngas over Rh-based catalyst supported on SiO2, TiO2 and SiO2–TiO2 mixed oxide

Abstract SiO 2 , TiO 2 and SiO 2 –TiO 2 mixed oxide were synthesized by sol–gel method and used as supports for Rh-based catalysts. The effect of support on the performance of Rh-based catalysts for C 2 -oxygenates synthesis from syngas was investigated by XRD, N 2 adsorption-desorption, FT-IR, H 2 -TPD, H 2 -TPR and TPSR techniques. The results indicated that SiO 2 –TiO 2 supported catalyst had higher dispersion of Rh and thus more Rh + sites, better capability for CO adsorption and dissociation, and moderate ability for hydrogenation. As a result, SiO 2 –TiO 2 supported Rh-based catalyst exhibited higher activity and C 2 oxygenates selectivity compared with counterparts supported on TiO 2 and SiO 2 .