Development of Novel Catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Tuning the Product Selectivity

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a heterogeneous catalytic process for the production of clean hydrocarbon fuels or chemicals from synthesis gas (CO+H-2), which can be derived from non-petroleum feedstocks such as natural gas, coal, or biomass. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has received renewed interests in recent years because of the global demand for a decreased dependence on petroleum for production of fuels and chemicals. The product distributions with conventional Fischer-Tropsch catalysts usually follow the Anderson-Schulz-Flory distribution and are typically unselective with regards to the formation of hydrocarbons from methane to waxes. Selectivity control is one of the key challenges of research into Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This Review article summarizes the effects of key factors on catalytic properties, particularly the product selectivity, and highlights recent developments of novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and new strategies with an aim at controlling the product selectivity.