Deactivation studies of nano-structured iron catalyst in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

A nano-structured iron catalyst for syngas conversion to hydrocarbons in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was prepared by micro-emulsion method. Compositions of bulk iron phase and phase transformations of carbonaceous species during catalyst deactivation in FTS reaction were characterized by temperature-programmed surface reaction with hydrogen (TPSR-H2), and XRD techniques. Many carbonaceous species on surface and bulk of the nano-structured iron catalysts were completely identified by combined TPSR-H2 and XRD spectra and which were compared with those recorded on conventional co-precipitated iron catalyst. The results reveal that the catalyst deactivation results from the formation of inactive carbide phases and surface carbonaceous species like graphite, and it will be increased when the particle size of iron oxides was reduced in FTS iron catalyst.