Hydrocarbon synthesis via Fischer-Tropsch reaction: travails and triumphs Original Research Article

The present paper provides a synopsis of the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis for hydrocarbons. Emphasis is placed on issues related to catalyst development and design strategies, contemporary views on reaction kinetics and mechanism and the significant advancement in industrial reactor technology. Activity and product selectivity control still remain major incentives for continued research activities and the recent application of multimetallic catalysts appears promising. The article also highlights the usefulness of periodic operation of FT reactors for product distribution, time-average catalyst longevity and synthesis rates.