Nickel boride catalysts in organic synthesis-catalytic behaviors of nickel borides in CO hydrogenation

The catalytic behavior of various nickel boride catalysts in CO hydrogenation was investigated. Chromium was introduced into the P-1 nickel boride to examine its effect on CO hydrogenation. The P-1 nickel boride was also supported on active carbon, Florisil and niobia to increase its dispersion and stability. Generally, the P-1, P-2 and P-2W nickel borides were less active than commercial Raney nickel, but the DBNi nickel boride was more active than it. The promoter chromium not only effectively promoted the activity of P-1 nickel boride but also shifted the product distribution to higher hydrocarbons. The P-1/niobia catalysts exhibited SMSI behavior in CO hydrogenation like that of Ni/niobia catalysts, and they showed good stability.