Al2O3–FSM16-supported cobalt catalyst: a promising novel Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst

Abstract

High specific surface area ordered meso-porous solid (FSM16) was synthesized by using the organic template method. The surface acidity of solid (FSM16) was modified significantly with the addition of alumina content by impregnation of alumina nitrate aqueous solution with Si/Al molar ratios of 10. Al2O3–FSM16 and conventional γ-alumina-supported cobalt catalysts were introduced for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The catalysts were prepared using wet impregnation with a cobalt loading of 15.0 wt% and characterized by ICP, TPR, BET, XRD, TEM, NH3-TPD, TGA and H2 chemisorptions. Finally, the activity, selectivity and stability of the catalysts were assessed in FTS. The characterizations clearly confirmed that morphology of the Al2O3–FSM16 support (surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution and crystallite phase) can affect the catalyst performances. The proposed 15 wt% Co/Al2O3–FSM16 catalyst has shown surprising stability during 120 h continuous of FTS reaction and also at first 24 h of test run, increased the FTS rate from 0.15 to 0.34 g HC/gcat./h, CO conversion by about 68%; also the C5+ hydrocarbons increased, compared to that prepared by conventional γ-alumina support (Conndea Vista Catalox B g-alumina).