Comparative study of iron-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst promoted with potassium or sodium

FeCu/SiO2 catalysts, in which K or Na promoter is incorporated respectively, are prepared by a combination method of continuous co-precipitation and spray drying technology. The catalysts were characterized by temperature-programmed desorption and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) performance of the catalysts was studied in a continuously stirred tank slurry reactor. The basicity of the K-promoted catalyst is enhanced, as demonstrated by CO2-TPD results. MES results show that sodium can weaken the dispersion of alpha-Fe2O3 phase; either potassium or sodium can promote carburization of the catalyst, while the effect of sodium is weaker. FTS results indicate that the addition of K or Na can improve the catalyst activity, and shift the product distribution to heavy hydrocarbons to the different extent. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.