Synthesis of Nano-catalysts by Induction Suspension Plasma Technology (SPS) for Fischer-Tropsch Reaction

Nanometric catalysts were synthesized through induction suspension plasma technology (SPS) for application in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). Carbon-supported single metal catalysts (Co/C, Fe/C), bimetallic formulations (Co-Fe/C), and ternary (Co-Fe-Mo and Co-Fe-Ni) systems have been considered in this work. SPS has been selected because it simultaneously allows for: (1) atomizing and generating metallic nanoparticles; (2) creating particularly Fe carbides, which are important in Fe-based FTS reaction mechanism; (3) in situ production of the nanometric graphitic-carbon matrix; and (4) saving time in catalyst synthesis, limiting sample preparation steps and eliminating post synthesis treatment before use. Porosity measurements by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method indicate that the samples are essentially non-porous. The synthesized catalysts characterized by X-ray Diffraction analysis show the presence of both metallic and carbidic species. The graphitic-carbon matrix has substantial structural defects that make it partly amorphous. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy mapping shows uniform dispersion of the metal moieties in the carbon support. Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging displays metal nanoparticles with mean particle size within the 9-15 nm range enveloped in the carbon matrix.