Fischer Tropsch

Structural Requirements and Chain Growth Pathways in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalyzed by Fe and Co

RESEARCH GROUP: Laboratory for the Science and Applications of Catalysis

RESEARCH DIRECTOR:

Enrique Iglesia, Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of California at Berkeley and Faculty Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

SUMMARY:

This project addresses the characterization of the structure and function of active sites required for the synthesis of high molecular weight hydrocarbons from CO and H₂ (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; FTS) on multicomponent catalysts based on Fe and Co as active components. The density and type of surface sites are determined by a novel combination of site titration, in-situ spectroscopies, probe molecule reactions, and kinetic analysis of reaction pathways using labeled molecules during steady-state and transient FTS at high pressures. The practical objectives of the research include:

the development of optimum synthesis and pre-treatment protocols that maximize site activity (turnover rate) and site density

the prediction and control of FTS selectivity, specifically chain growth probability and olefin content in products, without requiring separate exploratory and development research programs for their implementation

the ability to use synthesis gas with varying H₂/CO ratios with predictable impact on activity, selectivity, and catalyst stability.

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Last Updated 01/25/02.