Synergetic Effect of La and Ba Promoters on Nanostructured Iron Catalyst in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Abstract

Effect of promoters such as Barium and Lanthanum has been investigated on the conventional nanostructured iron catalyst in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The nanosized iron-based catalysts were prepared by a microemulsion method with the general formulation of 100Fe/4Cu, 100Fe/4Cu/2La, 100Fe/4Cu/1La/1Ba, and 100Fe/4Cu/2Ba. The phase, structure, and morphology of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N 2 adsorption, transmission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed desorption of CO 2 , and temperature-programmed reduction. The results indicated that the addition of promoters could improve the activity of Fe catalysts for FTS and WGS (water-gas shift reaction) and lower the gas fraction at the outlet. In addition, both Ba- and La-promoted Fe catalysts exhibit the highest activity due to the synergetic effect. The effect of promoters such as Ba and La has been investigated on the conventional nanostructured iron catalyst in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The results indicate that adding promoters could improve activity of Fe catalysts for FTS and water-gas shift reaction and lower the gas fraction at the outlet. In addition, both Ba- and La-promoted Fe catalysts exhibit the highest activity due to the synergetic effect.