Insights to the reaction kinetics of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using an integral system over Cu-Mo promoted Fe catalyst

Abstract

This work focused on the design and kinetics study of the Cu-Mo promoted Fe catalyst supported on biomass-derived carbon material with engineered surface chemistry and textural properties for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The kinetics tests were carried out at different operational conditions including temperature in the range of 280–310 °C, pressures: 20.6–41.3 bar, and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV): 1500–3000 h−1. The reaction rate was evaluated based on the enol mechanism using Eley–Rideal theory. To study the reaction rates along the catalytic bed, the reactor was assumed as an integral system. The production rates of the hydrocarbons were estimated by introducing a mathematical expression based on the lumped reaction network. The kinetics parameters, profiles of the partial pressures for the reactants and products were optimized using genetic algorithm. The proposed reaction mechanism proceeded with associative adsorption of CO, followed by hydrogenation to an oxygenated intermediate (CHO*); and the activation energy for CO consumption rate model was obtained as 51.90 kJ. mol−1. The provided one-dimensional model can lead to better understanding of the reaction mechanism of FTS as a sustainable energy resource with a novel catalyst design.