Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis over cobalt based catalyst supported on different mesoporous silica

Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) has been suggested as a key process of gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology, to satisfy the increasing demands for high-quality and environmentally friendly fuels. In this work, the catalytic performance of cobalt catalyst supported on various periodic mesoporous silicas was investigated. Silica modified Co-based catalysts were prepared by a sol–gel method followed by an impregnation method. The characteristics of supports and of the catalysts were identified by N2 physisorption, CO chemisorption, TPR, XPS, XRD, SEM/EDX and TEM techniques. Their catalytic performance for FTS was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor with H2/CO molar ratio of 2, reaction temperature of 230 °C and reaction pressure of 20 bar. The Co/SHS catalyst supported on periodic mesoporous silica hollow sphere (SHS) shows higher catalytic performance and C5+ selectivity in FTS reaction than the other catalysts. It was considered that catalystic performance of cobalt based catalysts supported on various silica in FTS depends on the cobalt particle size and support structure, which is caused by pore diameter and pore size distribution.

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► The cobalt catalyst supported on mesoporous silica hollow sphere was prepared.
► Nano particles of Co3O4 are highly dispersed over Co/SHS catalyst.
► The Co/SHS catalyst showed higher FTS activity and liquid fuel productivity.
► Liquid productivity are affected by metal–support interaction and the acidic sites.