Abstract

ARAUJO-FERRER, S.C.; DE ALMEIDA, A.; ZABALA, A.  and  GRANADOS, A.. Use of catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch processes. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.2, pp.257-269. ISSN 1665-2738.

Fischer-Tropsch process involves synthesis gas reaction (H₂ and CO), by means of a catalyst in a fixed or fluidized bed reactor, in order to obtain hydrocarbons of longer chains than methane. Liquid products derived from this synthesis are: diesel, gasoline, synthetic oil, methanol, dimethyl ether, olefins, gasoline, ammonia, etc., which have a high added value. The currently known catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are made of nickel, to hydrogenation of fats and chemicals, iron and cobalt, to obtain hydrocarbons, and copper for the synthesis of alcohols. These catalysts have been modified to increase their efficiency and selectivity, so the aim of this paper is to present an organized research on various types of catalysts used in Fischer-Tropsch process, in order to summarize main points to be considered to ensure a better relation cost/performance in this type of processes.

Keywords : Fischer-Tropsch; catalyst; support; selectivity; deactivation.