Infrared and kinetic studies of hydrocarbon synthesis over a Ru catalyst

The CO + H/sub 2/ reaction was studied. Infrared spectra indicate that under reaction conditions, the catalyst surface is saturated with CO. Conversion of CO to CH/sub 4/ depends on the H/sub 2//CO ratio. The Ru surface is covered by CO, and in order for CH/sub 4/ to form, H/sub 2/ must compete for the remaining unoccupied sites. CH/sub 4/ and C/sub 2/H/sub 6/ probably arises through a common precursor, e.g., an Ru-CH groups, and C/sub 2/H/sub 6/ might occur through dimerization of Ru-CH groups. 6 figs. (DLC)