Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on monolithic catalysts of different materials

Monolithic structures made of cordierite, gamma -Al2O3 and steel have been prepared as catalysts and tested for Fischer-Tropsch activity. The monoliths made of cordierite and steel were washcoated with a 20 wt.% Co-1 wt. % Re/gamma -Al2O3 Fischer-Tropsch catalyst whereas the gamma -Al2O3 monoliths were made by direct impregnation with an aqueous solution of the Co and Re salts resulting in a loading of 12 wt.% Cc and 0.5 wt.% Re. The activity and selectivity of the different monoliths were compared with the corresponding powder reserved. Higher washcoat loadings resulted in decreased C5+ selectivity and olefin/paraffin ratios due to increased transport limitations. The impregnated gamma -Al2O3 monoliths also showed similar C5+ selectivities as powder catalysts of small particle size (38-53 mum). Lower activities were observed with the steel monoliths probably due to experimental problems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.