Novel Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts

In the last years, the conversion of syngas into hydrocarbons (HC) for the production of ultra-clean fuels by the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology has received renewed attention. In order to obtain long-chain HC, cobalt is considered to be the most favorable metal. Its relative high cost as compared to iron requires high dispersion of the metal on a stable support. With high mechanical strength and advanced textural structure, Al₂O₃ supported Co-catalysts are currently used commercially in several industrial FT projects. Co-supported FT-catalysts are commonly prepared by impregnation (IWI). Here, however, small variations can influence particle size and distribution of the resulting catalyst. Aiming at a more precise structure control, the exploration of novel routes for the synthesis of FT catalysts is a promising alternative. In collaboration with Prof. Lutz Mädler , we investigated the synthesis of Co FT catalysts by Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) in the past which is ideally suited for the synthesis of catalysts with high surface areas and gives reproducible structural morphologies in a fast and automatic one-step approach. Currently, we focus on sol-gel derived catalysts in the form of aero- and xerogels as well as in the form of coatings.

Current project

Catalytically active materials prepared from Sol-Gel techniques

Selection of Publications:

¹ M. Minnermann, H.K. Grossmann, S. Pokhrel, K. Thiel, H. Hagelin-Weaver, M. Bäumer, L. Mädler, Double flame spray pyrolysis as a novel technique to synthesize alumina-supported cobalt Fischer–Tropsch catalysts, Catalysis Today 214 (2013) 90. DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2013.04.001

² M. Minnermann, B. Neumann, V. Zielasek, M. Bäumer, Alumina-promoted cobalt and iron xerogels as catalyst for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, Catalysis Science and Technology 3 (2013) 3256. DOI: 10.1039/c3cy00483j

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