Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Deuterium labeled ethanol tracer studies on iron catalysts

The addition of D3- and D5-ethanol during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with a promoted iron catalyst gives results that are consistent with ethanol initiating chain growth. However, there is considerable H/D exchange in the alcohol prior to initiating chain growth so that the D/molecule ratios in the alkane and alkene products are in the range 1.3–1.5. The nearly constant D/molecule ratio in the alkane and alkene products in the C5–C14 carbon number range is consistent with ethanol initiating chain growth.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (23 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Partially deuterated D5- and D3-ethanol were used as a tracer to study the Fe-FT synthesis mechanism. ▶ An extensive H/D exchange of adsorbed D5-ethanol with hydrogen on the surface of the catalyst before initiating a growing hydrocarbon chain. ▶ C2 species derived from the partially deuterated ethanol acted as an initiator for the Fe-FT synthesis.