A process for the preparation of a catalyst useful for conducting
carbon monoxide hydrogenation reactions, particularly Fischer-Tropsch reactions; the catalyst compositions, use of the catalyst compositions for conducting such reactions, and the products of these reactions. The steps of the process for producing the catalyst comprise mixing together in solution (a) a compound, or salt of a Group VIII
metal, e.g., Co(NO3)2; (b) a compound, or salt of
magnesium, e.g., Mg(NO3)2; (c) a compound, salt, or powdered
oxide of a Group IVB
metal, e.g., zirconia; (d) a
refractory inorganic oxide, e.g., kieselguhr; and (e) an
ammonium or
alkali metal salt precipitating agent, e.g., Na2CO3, to produce a precipitated solids
mass, or catalyst precursor, and then reducing the precipitated solids
mass, or catalyst precursor, to form a catalyst, e.g., (100 Co:6 MgO:10 ZrO2:200 kieselguhr). The precipitated solids
mass, or catalyst precursor, is shaped and brought to a
critical level of
moisture, and reduced. A catalyst formed from the precursor in this manner has greater activity, and selectivity in the production of high melting waxes in conducting Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and gas make is lower, than in the use of catalysts made conventionally, i.e., from precursors of similar composition at differing
moisture levels.