Characterization of Silica-Supported Cobalt Catalysts Prepared by Decomposition of Nitrates Using Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Plasma

Abstract

Low temperature decomposition of precursors usually leads to higher cobalt dispersion. In this study, we present a method to decompose cobalt precursors by using dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma without requiring a thermal calcination process. Cobalt (Co) catalysts prepared by DBD plasma were characterized by a range of techniques. The results indicate that the DBD decomposition method can not only reduce the decomposition time but also achieve an increased Co dispersion, small Co3O4 cluster size and uniform distribution compared to traditional calcination method. It was observed that the DBD-treated catalysts performed well in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and were favorable for heavy hydrocarbon formation. Cobalt precursors were decomposed by dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma without requiring a thermal calcination process. Results indicate that the DBD plasma method greatly reduces the decomposition time. Catalysts prepared by DBD plasma had an increased Co dispersion, small Co3O4 cluster size and uniform distribution compared to catalysts prepared by traditional calcination. The DBD-treated catalysts performed well in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and were favorable for heavy hydrocarbon formation.