water-gas shift reaction

The water-gas shift reaction is a crucial industrial process primarily used in the production of hydrogen. This reaction involves the conversion of carbon monoxide (CO) and steam (H₂O) into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and more hydrogen (H₂). It is often employed to increase the yield of hydrogen from synthesis gas, a mixture produced during the gasification of coal or hydrocarbons.123

The reaction is typically carried out in two stages using different catalysts:

• High-temperature shift: This stage uses an iron-chromium catalyst and operates at temperatures around 300-450 °C.1
• Low-temperature shift: This stage uses a copper-zinc catalyst and operates at lower temperatures, around 200-250 °C, to maximize hydrogen production.1

The water-gas shift reaction is fundamental in processes like ammonia synthesis and methanol production, where a high concentration of hydrogen is required.1