Kinetics of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on silica-supported cobalt-cerium catalyst

Background: The process of converting synthesis gas into liquid fuels (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) is a well-known technology. Among all Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts, Co- and Fe-based ones are applicable for industrial processes due to their low cost and high activity and selectivity. In this experimental study, a kinetic model has been developed for FTS reactions using co-precipitation technique and Co-Ce/SiO2 as the catalyst. Results: Rate data have been obtained for CO hydrogenation over a co-precipitated well-characterized Co-Ce/SiO2 catalyst, studied in a fixed-bed micro-reactor at atmospheric pressure under the conditions of 200°C to 300°C, H2/CO feed ratio (mol/mol) of 1 and 1.5, and space velocity in the range 2,700 to 5,200 h^−1. Characterization of both precursor and calcined catalysts was carried out using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurements. Conclusions: The kinetic parameters were estimated with nonlinear regression method. The data were best fitted by a Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson approach. The activation energy for the optimal kinetic model was determined to be 31.57 kJ mol^−1.