Carbon-Based Materials as Catalyst Supports for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: A Review

Abstract

The use of carbon-based materials as catalyst supports for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is thoroughly reviewed. The main factors to consider when using a carbonaceous catalyst support for FTS are first discussed. Then, the most relevant and recent literature on the topic from the last 2 decades is reviewed, classifying the different examples according to the carbon structure and shape. Some aspects such as the carbon textural properties, carbon support modification (functionalization and doping), catalyst preparation methods, metal particle size and location, catalyst stability and reducibility, the use of promoters, and the catalyst performance for FTS are summarized and discussed. Finally, the main conclusions, advantages, limitations, and perspectives of using carbon catalyst supports for FTS are outlined.

Microkinetic model validation for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis at methanation conditions based on steady state isotopic transient kinetic analysis

“…While the calculated ratio could be interpreted as an active site ratio (vide supra), the strict meaning of this model-parameter corresponds to the average relative probability of each CO-dissociation mechanism to occur, as calculated by our SEMK model, over the investigated range of operating conditions. Also, during operation, the catalyst surface is inherently dynamic [127][128][129] and the step-to-terrace site ratio therefore depends on the employed operating conditions. Such a detailed analysis of the catalyst surface and active sites is beyond the scope of the presented work.…”

Supported Metal Oxide Catalysts for CO2 Fischer–Tropsch Conversion to Liquid Fuels─A Review

“…Because of the high thermal conductivity and at high carbonization temperature, the carbon support yields lower interactions with the metal active sites. 97,98 Table 6 shows that the utilization of carbon supports gives high selectivity to hydrocarbons above 60%, with the exception of sibunit. The templated synthesis method to obtain mesoporous carbon exhibits the highest conversion (50.6%) and selectivity to hydrocarbons (91.8%), with 44.5% C 5+ .…”

“…In CO FT conversion with a silica-supported catalyst, the dominant phase of iron is Fe 2 O 3 , while on a carbon-supported catalyst, the magnetite/maghemite phase is predominant, hence, with a higher carburization to active phase Fe 2 C 5 . Because of the high thermal conductivity and at high carbonization temperature, the carbon support yields lower interactions with the metal active sites. , …”

How to Make a Cocktail of Palladium Catalysts with Cola and Alcohol: Heteroatom Doping vs. Nanoscale Morphology of Carbon Supports

“…The defects and doping components are responsible for the strength of the bond between the metal and the substrate, and can also provide specific electronic effects [69]. It is often noted that the presence of a large volume of micropores in the substrate can reduce the activity of the supported catalyst due to mass transfer limitations [70,71].…”