Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in polyethylene glycol with amorphous iron nanocatalysts prepared by chemical reduction in various solvents

Amorphous iron nanocatalysts were prepared by chemical reduction using various solvents and dispersed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The results indicated that the as-prepared catalysts were mainly amorphous Fe-B or Fe-B/α-Fe nanoalloys with a surface layer of oxides of iron and boron. The preparation solvents had a significant influence on the morphology, phase composition and surface property of these catalysts. Under reaction conditions of 3.0 MPa syngas (H2/CO = 2) and 200 °C, the catalyst prepared in water exhibited the highest FTS activity (0.83 molCO molFe−1 h−1). This high activity is attributed to its high iron content and extent of reduction on the surface as well as high iron carbides formed during reaction. The products or catalysts can be easily separated after reaction.

Graphical abstractAmorphous iron nanocatalysts were prepared by chemical reduction and dispersed in polyethylene glycol for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The preparation medium affected the physicochemical properties of these catalysts, accordingly varying their activities.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (112 K)Download as PowerPoint slide