| abstract |
A method for improving the activity of a used supported silver catalyst, used for the manufacture of ethylene oxide by reaction of ethylene with oxygen or air, which method consists essentially of: (a) impregnating said used catalyst at a temperature from 80 DEG C. to 150 DEG C. and for 0.75 hour to 10 hours with an impregnating solution containing water, a water-miscible organic solvent selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol, at least one compound of cesium, rubidium, or of cesium and rubidium in an amount providing from 50 mg to 1000 mg per kilogram of solution, said solution containing from 5 to 50 percent by weight of water; (b) separating the impregnated catalyst from excess impregnating solution; and (c) drying the impregnated catalyst. |