The structure and the activity of active C-supported Fe2O3 catalysts were s
tudied in water gas shift reaction. A differential flow reactor (P = 2.5 MP
A) was used. The catalysts supported on heat-pretreated carbons (1900 degre
esC in He; or 1900 degreesC in He + 900 degreesC in CO2) proved to be quite
active, even more active/so than a conventional commercial catalyst. The c
atalyst supported on a crude (nonpretreated) commercial active C was comple
tely inactive. The degree of dispersion of the active oxide phase (magnetit
e) was found to be related to active carbon's texture: the smaller the carb
on's pore structure, the higher the degree of dispersion.