SEM and BET Methods for Investigating the Structure and Morphology of Co–Ce Catalysts for Production of Light Olefins

Co–Ce catalysts prepared by the coprecipitation method were tested for production of light olefins. The effect of different preparation conditions including the [Co]/[Ce] molar ratio, aging time, calcination conditions, different supports, and loading of optimum support on the structure and catalytic performance of different catalysts were investigated. It was found that catalyst containing 80% Co/20% Ce/15% SiO2, which was aged for 2 h and calcined at 600°C for 6 h, is the optimum modified catalyst for the conversion of synthesis gas to light olefins. Characterization of both precursors and calcined catalysts (before and after the test) was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area measurements. The morphology of the catalysts was investigated by SEM and the surface areas of these catalysts were studied by BET. It was shown that all of the different preparation variables influenced the morphology and also the specific surface area of the catalyst precursors and calcined catalysts.