The renaissance of iron-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: on the multifaceted catalyst deactivation behaviour

Iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, which are applied in the conversion of CO and H-2 into longer hydrocarbon chains, are historically amongst the most intensively studied systems in heterogeneous catalysis. Despite this, fundamental understanding of the complex and dynamic chemistry of the iron-carbon-oxygen system and its implications for the rapid deactivation of the iron-based catalysts is still a developing field. Fischer-Tropsch catalysis is characterized by its multidisciplinary nature and therefore deals with a wide variety of fundamental chemical and physical problems. This critical review will summarize the current state of knowledge of the underlying mechanisms for the activation and eventual deactivation of iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and suggest systematic approaches for relating chemical identity to performance in next generation iron-based catalyst systems (210 references).