Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, the effect of promoters, catalyst support, and reaction conditions selection

Abstract

This work brings the overview of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) from catalysis point of view. The role of promoters’ type and their amount loaded into the catalyst are described and discussed for both, iron- (Cu, K, Na, S, Zr, Ni) and cobalt (Ru, Pt, Re, Zr, Ag, Rh, Ir, Au)-based catalysts, respectively, as same as the role of catalyst supports and reaction conditions. Catalyst supports discussed in this work are from the group of oxides, mesoporous silicas and zeolites, carbon-based materials, and carbides. Reaction conditions studied and discussed are reaction temperature, gas hourly space velocity of syngas and hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio in syngas and reaction pressure. For iron-based catalysts, reaction temperature is discussed in the range of 508–613 K, while for cobalt types in the range of 468–513 K. Reaction pressure is discussed for both catalyst types up to 3 MPa. All the parameters are presented and discussed using FTS selectivity to main groups of products, such as CH4, CO2, C2–C4 hydrocarbons, and C5+ hydrocarbons together with syngas conversion degree. Detailed review of data published in articles studying FTS over iron and cobalt catalysts supplied large data set for presenting and discussion of trends and effects of aimed parameters and for their visualization in form of set of charts. This data analysis brings complex overview of basic trends of catalytic properties of cobalt and iron catalysts.