The influence of the promoter nature and of a modifier in (K)(Me)MoS2/Al2O3 (Me=Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts on the conversion and selectivity of products of synthesis gas conversion to alcohols and jnl oxygenates was investigated. Relationships between promoter nature, hydrocarbon chain length and selectivity in the formed alcohols were established. Electronic structure of a promoter atom in an active site (AS) was found to strongly affect selectivity of alcohol formation. Promotion of the S‐edge by Fe, Co or Ni suppressed hydrogen activation, which resulted in a lower synthesis gas conversion. Promotion of the M‐edge by Fe, Co, or Ni entailed the formation of double vacancies which are active sites of synthesis gas conversion. Potassium affected the oxophilicity of Mo atoms and reduced Co/Ni‐promoted MoS AS. It decreased the probability of C−O bond breaking in the adsorbed intermediate and shifted selectivity from the formation of alkyl towards alkoxide fragments over these catalysts.

No abstract