Cobalt Catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis with O₂-Containing Syngas

Abstract

Provision of sustainable transportation fuels is required for the energetic transition. A new process is presented for the production of synthetic sulfur free maritime fuel. This fuel is produced by Co-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using syngas based on a plasma technology that contains traces of O₂. Gravimetric experiments and steady state measurements with a Co/Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst at low temperature FTS conditions (10-30 bar, 180-230°C) show that, with H₂ present in the system, the catalyst remains active for FTS, and shows no influence on the distribution of C₂+-hydrocarbons. O₂ is only converted to H₂O and CO₂ in varying proportions (H₂O: 70-80%, CO₂: 20-30%), whereby a higher CO concentration increases the CO₂ selectivity. This work may wield a new CO₂ source for carbon-neutral fuels.