Performing the best composition of supported Co/SiC catalyst for selective FTS diesel production

► mCo-nCa/SiC optimization for synthetic diesel bench scale Fischer-Tropsch. ► Response surface methodology to evaluate basicity, particle size and reduction. ► Only reduction shows non-linear dependence on Co, with a maximum at 14 wt.%. ► Basicity and degree of reduction clearly modify C5+ selectivity and CO conversion. ► A composition of 12.5 wt.% Co with 2.0 wt.% Ca provided the maximum diesel yield.