Polymetallic catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and hydrodesulfurization prepared using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

The synthesis, physicochemical characteristics, and operation of the previously proposed new multifunctional polymetallic catalysts in reduction processes are considered. The complex intermetallides of 3d metals and rare-earth elements, which are obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), are catalyst precursors. The catalyst structure includes a framework of lower intermetallic compounds covered with a strongly disordered highly amorphous metal oxide active phase. This phase forms two-level nanostructures (~10–100 nm) with a characteristic shape of flat hexahedrons on the surface. The catalysts possess high activity in the reactions of deep oxidation and reduction (the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and the hydrodesulfurization of petroleum fractions); moreover, they do not require preliminary activation in the reduction processes.