The application of synchrotron methods in characterizing iron and cobalt Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts

This article reviews the use of synchrotron radiation techniques to confront issues associated with cobalt and iron catalysts. The main areas that are examined include: (1) the application of TPR-XANES and TPR-EXAFS to gain insight into the hydrogen reduction of cobalt catalysts and the carburization of iron catalysts; (2) the impact of promoters on these reduction/carburization rates; (3) the local atomic structure of promoters and its influence on catalyst selectivity; (4) exploring the deactivation of cobalt catalysts; (5) the influence of crystallite size in stabilizing cobalts catalyst against water effects; and (6) temperature effects in alkali promoted iron catalysts in retaining the iron carbide phase against reoxidation by water.