Achieving high conversion of syngas to aromatics

High CO conversion and high aromatics selectivity are achieved simultaneously in syngas-to-aromatics reaction over a composite catalyst consisting of Fe/ZnCr 2 O 4 (3 wt% of Fe modified ZnCr 2 O 4 spinel) oxide and H-ZSM-5 zeolite. Realizing high CO conversion and high aromatics selectivity simultaneously in syngas-to-aromatics (STA) reaction is still challenging. Herein, we report a 57.5% CO conversion along with 74% aromatics selectivity over a composite catalyst consisting of Fe/ZnCr 2 O 4 (Fe modified ZnCr 2 O 4 spinel) oxide and H-ZSM-5 zeolite. Impregnation of only 3 wt% of Fe onto ZnCr 2 O 4 can remarkably increase CO conversion without sacrificing the aromatics selectivity. Oxygen vacancy concentration is improved after impregnating Fe. The highly dispersed iron carbide species is formed during the reaction over Fe/ZnCr 2 O 4 spinel oxide. The synergistic effect of oxygen vacancy and iron carbide results in a rapid formation of abundant oxygenated intermediate species, which can be continuously transformed to aromatics in H-ZSM-5. This study provides a new insight into the design of highly efficient catalyst for syngas conversion.