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Title: Effects of calcination on the CO hydrogenation activity/selectivity properties of potassium-promoted iron/silica

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)

Much of the previous research in Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis has been directed toward development of catalysts having higher selectivities to premium hydrocarbon products such as light olefins or gasoline. Nevertheless, the product distribution of conventional, non-shape-selective FT catalysts is governed by Anderson-Schulz-Flory (ASF) polymerization kinetics which place severe restrictions on the maximum yield of any given product or product range, e.g., a maximum of 47 wt%. C/sub 5/-C/sub 11/ gasoline range hydrocarbons. Attempts to circumvent the limitations of ASF kinetics through incorporation of catalyst additives, strong metal-support interactions, and supported metal clusters have generally met with little success, although these catalyst modifications can be used to tailor catalyst selectivities for branched paraffins, olefins, and alcohols within the constraints of the ASF model. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of potassium level and calcination pretreatment on the activity and selectivity properties of potassium-promoted Fe/SiO/sub 2/. The results reveal that a mild calcination treatment can dramatically influence the activity/selectivity behavior of Fe/K/SiO/sub 2/ catalysts, and they provide evidence of an alternative synthesis route in CO hydrogenation on these catalysts. 28 references.

Research Organization:
Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT
OSTI ID:
5539457
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Vol. 100:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English