Deactivation and regeneration of cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts

Cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts are an integral part of the Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) process where natural gas is converted into environmentally friendly liquid fuels. Due to the cost of cobalt an extended catalyst life is required to make the process economically feasible. A fundamental understanding of the deactivation mechanismsat play during FTS is key to extending catalyst lifetime. A comprehensive study into the deactivation of a Co/Al2O3 catalyst under commercially relevant FTS conditions was undertaken and the following deactivation mechanisms were identified (1) poisoning (2) surface reconstruction (3) carbon deposition and (4) sintering. A successful regeneration process was then designed to reverse these deactivation mechanisms