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Iron oxide catalysts

An iron oxide-based high-temperature shift catalyst (HTS) is used in the chemical industry, particularly in the water-gas shift reaction (WGSR). These catalysts typically consist of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) as the main component, often in combination with other materials such as chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃), which improves the stability and lifetime of the catalyst.
Properties of the catalyst:

Main component: iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), which acts as an active catalyst.
Stability: Chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) is often added to improve mechanical and chemical stability.
Operating temperature: The catalyst is designed for high temperatures (350°C–450°C), making it ideal for the first stage of the water-gas shift reaction before switching to lower temperatures (with a different catalyst).

Areas of application:

Hydrogen production: Iron oxide catalysts play a key role in hydrogen production, as they reduce the carbon monoxide content and increase the hydrogen content.
Ammonia synthesis: Before ammonia synthesis, hydrogen is purified and the WGSR catalysts help to increase efficiency.
Methanol production: Iron oxide-based HTS catalysts are also used in processes that produce methanol.