Cobalt-based catalysts derived from cobalt carbonyl clusters for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Co catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 were prepared using Co2(CO)6HCCCOOH, Co3(CO)9CCH2COOH, and Co4(CO)10HCCCOOH as precursors. Co(NO3)2 was used as the precursor for preparing the reference catalyst. The results of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis tests and characterization by transmission electron microscopy, NH3 temperature-programmed desorption, and infrared showed that the different precursors have significant effects on the dispersion of the Co, which affect their catalytic behavior. CO conversion and C5+ selectivity over these catalysts prepared from different precursors decreased in the order Co3(CO)9CCH2COOH > Co2(CO)6HCCCOOH > Co4(CO)10HCCCOOH > Co(NO3)2.

Graphical AbstractA series of Co-based catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 prepared using cobalt carbonyl clusters showed higher CO conversion and C5+ selectivity in F-T synthesis than a reference catalyst prepared using Co(NO3)2.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide