Catalytic Cracking of Fischer-Tropsch Wax on Different Zeolite Catalysts

Abstract

Fisher-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a promising method to make alternative hydrocarbons from biomass or other resources. Upgrading the primary FTS products is of considerable interest. Cracking FT wax is economically attractive to produce light olefins. Herein, the effects of the zeolite type, Si/Al ratio of ZSM-5, and reaction condition on the catalytic cracking of FT wax were investigated. It was found that the pore structure and acid properties of zeolites had a significant impact on the product selectivity. USY was beneficial for the production of gasoline and diesel, while β was suitable for the production of propylene and butenes, and ZSM-5 was conductive to producing ethylene and propylene. Increasing the Si/Al ratio of ZSM-5 can suppress the hydrogen transfer reaction and increase the selectivity of light olefins. When the Si/Al ratio of ZSM-5 was 140, the mass yields of ethylene, propylene, and butenes were 6.40%, 26.83%, and 20.10%, respectively.