An experimental investigation of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over washcoated metallic structured supports Original Research Article

In principle, the application of monolithic catalysts to the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis can solve many of the problems related to the classical Fischer–Tropsch reactors, in particular concerning the necessity to operate with short diffusion distances and low pressure drops, preferably according to the ideal plug-flow behavior, while still maintaining a reasonable inventory of catalytic material in the reactor volume. The preparation of prototype cobalt-based catalysts, washcoated onto metallic structured supports with different geometries, is described herein, together with the evaluation of the catalytic properties of such systems in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis at industrially relevant process conditions (220–235 °C, 20 bar, image). Comparative tests with the same catalyst in the powdered form were also carried out at the same process conditions. It was found that the structured catalysts maintained the activity and the selectivity of the original powdered catalyst, provided that the washcoat thickness is sufficiently thin.