Catalytic properties of CoAl2O4/Al2O3 supported cobalt catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

The γ-Al2O3 modified with CoAl2O4 by the impregnation method was used as support to prepare cobalt catalysts. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized with BET, XRD, H2-TPR and XPS techniques and H2-chemisorption experiment. The catalytic properties of the prepared catalysts were investigated for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. It was shown that CoAl2O4 existed on the surface of γ-Al2O3, and thus, effectively weakening the interaction of Co and Al2O3 and resulting in a great increase in the reduction degree and the catalytic activity. The sample with a CoAl2O4 content of 20% shows the highest catalytic activity. It is worth noting that the CoAl2O4 modification decreased the CH4 selectivity but enhanced the C5+ selectivity and catalytic stability.