Mechanochemical Synthesis of Calcium and Copper Ferrite Catalysts for Medium-Temperature Carbon Monoxide Conversion

The mechanochemical synthesis of calcium and copper ferrites has been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, sedimentation analysis, and chromatography. The effects of mechanical activation and heat treatment on the formation of calcium ferrite with a perovskite structure and copper ferrite with a mixed spinel structure are demonstrated. Calcium and copper ferrites calcined at low temperatures (450–500°C) are catalytically very active in the water-gas shift reaction. CO conversion on calcium and copper ferrites yields a number of by-products. The concentrations of these by-products in the condensate have been determined.