Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of Co/Fe catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 and SBA-15 for catalytic performance in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction fed with a syngas and CO2 mixture

The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis is a crucial process for converting syngas into synthetic hydrocarbons, using sources such as coal, natural gas, and biomass. This study evaluates the activity of Co and Fe-based catalysts supported on SBA-15 and gamma-Al2O3, employing an innovative CO/CO2 generation system. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas adsorption (BET), X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In catalytic performance, Co catalysts exhibited significantly higher (65-99%) and more stable CO conversion than Fe catalysts, generating a liquid product. FT-IR spectroscopy of the liquid products indicated the formation of hydrocarbons with C-H and C=C bonds. CO2 conversion was high and stable in all catalysts. These findings provide an exciting outlook for optimizing catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and an alternative for CO and CO2 generation and their application in more sustainable processes.