Iron Oxide for Chemical Catalysis

1. Characteristics

Iron oxide used in chemical catalytic reactions features: fine and uniform molecular particles, large specific surface area, strong catalytic activity, low levels of chemical impurities and soluble salts, good activation, and high conversion rates. Iron oxide catalysts are activated or promoted with the addition of promoters such as potassium, chromium, and lead. They are the cornerstone of modern fertilizer, petroleum refining, and basic chemical industries.

2. Applications

It is used in hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, ammonia synthesis, coal gas desulfurization, and H_CO synthesis of hydrocarbons. Examples include styrene dehydrogenation catalysts and iron-based catalysts for the dehydrogenation of isopentene to isoprene.

3. Usage

Iron oxide is mixed with potassium carbonate and chromium chloride, ball-milled to form balls (with the addition of an activator or promoter), dried, and then calcined at 900°C to form potassium ferrite. This produces loose molecules with large pores.

The composition of the styrene dehydrogenation catalyst is as follows: iron oxide: 83%, chromium oxide: 3%, potassium oxide: 9%. Specific surface area: 1-3 m2/g. Accelerator: 4%.