Publication Utrecht University
Thomas O. Eschemann, Jogchum Oenema, Krijn P. de Jong, Catalysis Today 2016, 261, 60-66.
The Fischer-TRopsch reaction involves the conversion of synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons, which can then further be converted to ultraclean fuels or chemicals. While the synthesis gas can be derived from biomass, coal, or natural gas, the latter is the most economical option given current market prices and the availability of stranded gas and shale gas reserves. A crucial aspect for the economic viability for Fischer-Tropsch plants lies in the performance of the catalyst [1,2]. Because of their low water-gas shift activity, their high selectivity to higher hydrocarbons, and their stability, supported cobalt catalysts are preferred for plants processing synthesis gas derived from natural gas [3-7]. Supported cobalt catalysts used in industrial applications typically do not only contain 15-30 wt.% of catalytically active cobalt, but also 1-10 wt.% of metal oxides [8-11] and 0.1-1 wt.% of noble metals [8,12] in order to improve the activity, selectivity and stability of the catalysts [13].
