Influence of iron oxide support preparation method on the properties of Ru/Fe2O3 catalysts for water-gas shift reaction

Studies were undertaken of phase transitions of iron oxide obtained from ir on oxide-hydroxides of type alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-FeOOH, and used as a support of ruthenium catalysts Ru/Fe2O3, employed in the water-gas sh ift reaction. In as-prepared pure supports and ruthenium catalysts the main phase was alpha-Fe2O3. After use in the water-gas shift reaction, the supp ort showed the presence of different phases of iran oxide. The most active Ru/Fe2O3 catalysts prepared on the basis of alpha- and delta-FeOOH, after u se in the water-gas shift reaction, revealed the presence of Fe3O4 or a mix ture of phases Fe3O4 and gamma-Fe2O3. The least active catalysts, prepared on the basis of beta- and gamma-FeOOH, contained a solid solution of Fe3O4- gamma-Fe2O3 with traces of alpha-Fe2O3.