Exploring the reasons for Zr-improved performance of alumina supported cobalt fischer-tropsch synthesis

In order to investigate the enhancement of Zr in FTS performance, a series of Zr-modified 20 wt% Co/Al2O3 catalysts has been prepared by regulating the Zr and Co impregnation order and Zr amount and then the catalytic performance were evaluated in a fixed reactor. The Zr addition leads to a significant increase in activity, olefin/paraffin ratio for C-3 and C-4 at a similar CO conversion, and selectivity to C-5(+); compared with the Co/Al2O3 catalysts. The co-impregnation of Zr and Co shows the most attractive catalytic performance. This can be attributed to the higher reducibility of the catalyst as well as the formation of Co-Zr interface. The introduction of Zr can enhance the interaction between C* and cobalt active sites and weaken the C O bond, making CO easier to be dissociated and the selectivity of C-5(+) is improved. (C) 2021 Energy Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Regulating the impregnation order and amount of Zr and Co can significantly enhance the performance of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The co-impregnation of Zr and Co shows the most attractive catalytic performance, attributed to higher reducibility of the catalyst and the formation of Co-Zr interface.