Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis for Kerosene-Range Products Using a Multi-Component Catalyst Supported on Coal-Based Activated Carbon

The effect of varying the composition of an iron-based catalyst on the performance of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was studied. The main focus is towards liquids in the range C9 through C15 hydrocarbons, the kerosene/gasoline range hydrocarbons sometimes called the single battlefield fuel. The baseline catalyst was 6%Mo, 16%Fe, 0.8%Cu and 0.9%K supported on anthracite activated-carbon support. Catalysts with 0% Mo and 12% Mo loadings, 0%Fe and 32% Fe loadings, 0% Cu and 1.6%Cu loadings, and 0%K and 1.8%K loadings were investigated. The reaction was carried out at a temperature of 300°C, pressure of 300 psig and syngas (H2/CO ratio = 1) flowrate of 100 sccm/min. Catalysts were characterized by BET, TPR and EDX. The data gathered were also fitted to a regression model.;The FT activity and the CO2 selectivity increase on increasing Fe loading. A small amount of potassium increases FTS activity, while larger amounts decrease FTS activity. Also, a small amount of Mo results in an increase in FTS activity but the activity decreases on addition of more Mo. Varying the copper loading has very small effects on all parameters