(600f) Carbon Nanotube-Supported Catalysts for Improved Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

To address the lower reducibility and resulting lower activity of catalysts on oxidic supports during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, there is increasing interest in utilizing carbon nanomaterials as catalyst supports. The production of clean fuel via FTS using Co and Fe catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was studied and compared with similar catalysts supported on conventional substrates (alumina and silica). The synthesis of the catalysts was conducted using a variety of Co and Fe precursors and their physicochemical properties and FTS activities were investigated. The use of CNTs as catalyst supports enhanced the reducibility of the catalyst; both CNT-supported Fe and Co catalysts were fully reducible at temperatures below 550°C. Catalytic tests revealed a strong dependence of the CO conversion and C₅₊ selectivity on the type of catalyst precursor used for the various supports.