Effect of temperature of reduction on the activity and selectivity of a coprecipitated Ni-Al₂O₃ catalyst for the Fischer-Tropsch and methanation reactions

The reaction of CO with H₂ at 473 K and at low pressures over a coprecipitated Ni-Al₂O₃ catalyst has been examined; it has been found that both methane and higher hydrocarbons are formed and that the activity and selectivity of the catalyst depends on the temperature (and hence, the degree) of reduction, low temperatures favouring the production of higher hydrocarbons.