Rose-Like 2D Layered Silicate Supported Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 Catalysts for Improved Selectivity Toward Olefins in CO Hydrogenation

Hydrophilic 2D layered silicate supported Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 catalyst (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4/2D-LS) was prepared by an impregnation method and showed greatly improved olefin selectivity in CO hydrogenation. The olefin ratio (O/P) on Fe.sub.3O.sub.4/2D-LS was increased from 0.50 to 6.05 compared with that of single Fe.sub.3O.sub.4. Surprisingly, the Fe.sub.3O.sub.4/2D-LS catalysts had an enhanced chain growth ability and promoted the formation of linear [alpha]-olefin in C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons increasing from 33.5 to 72.5%. Characterizations showed that layered structure and hydrophilic properties maintained during a CO hydrogenation test. The Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 supported 2D-LS was easier to reduction and promoted the CO adsorption. The hydroxyl groups on the 2D-LS detected by CA and Zeta may help to increase the selectivity of olefin by inhibiting the secondary reaction of primary olefins.