Aqueous-Phase Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis by Using Ruthenium Nanoparticle Catalyst

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has long been known as an alternative process to produce long-chain hydrocarbons for their use in transportation fuels. In the Fischer−Tropsch reaction, synthesis gas produced from natural gas reforming or gasification of coal or biomass is transformed in the presence of cobalt, ruthenium, and iron catalysts. The product distribution is highly dependent on the process conditions and the type of catalyst used. Commercially FTS is performed in the gas or slurry phase. Recent studies demonstrated that FTS can be performed in aqueous phase too [1, 2]. The present work aims to investigate the effect of reaction temperature and reaction time on the performance of ruthenium nanoparticle catalyst during aqueous-phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by using a stirred tank batch reactor.