Catalysts and catalysts precursors suitable for hydrocarbon synthesis

摘要

Catalysts and/or catalyst precursors comprise alloys or alloy particles of at least two metals chosen from the groups VIb, VIIb and VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements, the alloy having a negative heat of formation (with respect to the individual metals) and forming upon contacting with synthesis gas (H2/CO ratio 2) at a temperature of 250 DEG C and under a pressure of 1 bar for a period of three hours a total amount of metal in the form of carbide of between 1 and 20 mol per cent based on the total amount of metal, while at least 50 per cent of the metal atoms present in the free surface area of the alloy have been converted into carbide. The catalysts and/or catalyst precursors are of use in the synthesis of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas.