(92d) Effect of Cobalt Particle Size On the Catalyst Intrinsic Activity for Fischer Tropsch Synthesis

Fischer Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a major process in Gas-to-Liquids (GTL), Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) and Biomass-to-Liquids (BTL) technologies. In the FTS, syngas produced from natural gas, coal, or biomass can be converted into valuable hydrocarbons by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. Co supported catalysts are known as effective catalysts for the FTS reaction. It has been reported recently that the intrinsic FTS activity of Co is a function of its particles size when Co particle sizes are lower than 6 nm [1,2]. In our group, we attempt to use KL-Zeolite as a support to produce very tiny Co particles residing inside the L-Zeolite lobes using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for catalyst preparation. The size and location of Co particles will be characterized using different techniques such as hydrogen chemisorption, TEM, EXAFS, and DRIFTS. The Fischer Tropsch synthesis reaction will be performed in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) at 220°C, ~20 atm, and a H2/CO ratio of 2:1. In this paper we will discuss the impact of Co particle size on the intrinsic rate and selectivity to C5+ for the FT reaction.

[1] G. L. Bezemer, J. H. Bitter, H. P. Kuipers, H. Oosterbeek, J. E. Holewijn, X. D. Xu, F. Kapteijn, A. J. van Dillen, K. P. de Jong, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128 (2006) 3956. [2] A. Barbier, A. Tuel, I. Arcon, A. Kodre, G. A. Martin, J. Catal, 200 (2001) 106