Microcalorimetric studies of H2 and CO on Co/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Cobalt based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts were studied by adsorption microcalorimetry. A series of catalysts consisting of 20 wt% cobalt supported on γ-Al2O3 were examined. Cobalt particle size as evaluated by H2 chemisorption varied from 4.8 to 16.7 nm in diameter. H2 and CO were examined as probe molecules and their adsorption on reduced cobalt catalyst was investigated. The results show only minor differences in the initial heat of adsorption for the studied catalysts, while at intermediate coverages (20–60%) the heat of adsorption appears to be nearly identical.

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► A novel cell for microcalorimetric analysis is presented.
► Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts with Co particles in the range of 5–17 nm were studied for their H2 and CO adsorption.
► Surface energetics of H2 and CO are compared with literature.