Structure-performance relationships for supported cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) involves the heterogeneously catalyzed conversion of synthesis gas into water and hydrocarbons and offers a promising route for the synthesis of ultraclean fuels, chemicals and lubricants. The synthesis gas can be generated from different feedstocks, such as coal (CTL), biomass (BTL) or natural gas (GTL), with the latter being the economically most interesting option. Therefore the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis might decrease dependencies on crude oil while allowing the indirect liquefaction of resources that are projected to be available longer than crude oil. The properties of the catalysts applied for the conversion of synthesis gas are crucial for the performance of XTL plants, demanding high activities, high selectivities to heavy hydrocarbons and high stabilities under process conditions. Titania-supported cobalt catalysts have previously been identified to be particularly well-suited catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the GTL process, especially because of their high hydrothermal stability and their high selectivity to heavy hydrocarbons. It is the goal of this research to provide new insights on how the preparation procedure affects the structural and catalytic properties of Co/TiO2 catalysts during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis under industrial conditions.