LAUSR

Abstract We demonstrate the regulation of metal-support interactions (MSI) by impregnating Co(NO3)2 as a precursor of cobalt over the silica coated with different amounts of amorphous carbon via carbonizing the glucose as a precursor in the inert atmosphere of an Ar. The materials were characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, H2-TPD, XPS, O2 titration, and N2 adsorption-desorption at low temperatures. In comparison with the parent 10 wt% Co/SiO2, the Co-supported carbon-coated SiO2 (10 wt% Co/xC-SiO2) showed obviously higher dispersion of the metallic cobalt (Co0) and smaller Co0 particle size. Moreover, the Co0 dispersion was increased and the Co0 particle size was decreased with increasing the carbon content over the catalysts. The weakened MSI between Co0 and the xC-SiO2, the extent of which is dependent on the carbon content, was clearly revealed from the characterization results. This was further supported by the reaction results of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FT), and the highest CO conversion was obtained over 10 wt% Co/1C-SiO2. The simple procedure and the cheap glucose make it important for developing a more efficient FT catalyst.