Chapter 5 Recent Developments in Fischer-Tropsch Catalysis

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the recent developments in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS). FTS, the production of liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis of gas (CO, CO2 ,and H2), is a promising, developing option for environmentally sound production of chemicals and fuels from coal. In view of large coal reserves and dwindling petroleum reserves, it is projected to play an ever increasing role in coming decades. The chapter primarily focuses on the catalyst and process developments during the 70s and 80s with emphasis on examples of recent catalyst developments during the late 1980s. The discussion of catalyst developments focuses on three important areas of FT catalysis: chemical modifications (additives, promoters, supports, pretreatments, and preparation methods), interception of intermediates (dual functionalism and secondary reactions), and limitation of chain growth by shape selectivity. Fundamental principles of catalyst design are also emphasized in the chapter. Significant progress toward the solution of deactivation, heat removal, and thermal efficiency problems has also been realized in the past two decades. With these innovations, improvements in process economics of 30–40% are realizable. Of equal or perhaps even greater significance is the progress made during the same period in the understanding of the relationship of catalyst structure to activity and selectivity properties. This understanding provides a scientific basis for catalyst design, the principles of which are discussed in the chapter.