Alumina supported cobalt catalysts for Fischer-Topsch synthesis

Co supported on high surface area oxides such as alumina, silica and titania are the main catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. It has been shown that the catalytic performance of these catalysts depends on the support. Detailed studies of the effect of the structure and the composition of the support material on the Co catalyst have so far not given an unambiguous answer. It is therefore of interest to study Co catalysts supported on different aluminas. The catalytic performance also depends on the particle size and it is therefore very important to control the particle size of the catalysts. The work will involve preparation, characterization and testing of Co supported on different aluminas. The different aluminas will be prepared from a standard γ-Al2O3 by heat treatment