Effect of K, Co and Mo addition in Fe-based catalysts for aviation biofuels production by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

In the search for environmentally friendly solutions to produce clean fuels, the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis arises as a promising alternative when using syngas obtained from biomass to produce kerosene. Fe-based catalysts are typically used in this process. The addition of chemical promoters can improve the activity of these catalysts. Thus, in this work, Fe-based materials were prepared by precipitation of iron oxides and the subsequent addition of K (3% wt.), Mo and Co (6 wt%) by impregnation. Catalytic tests were carried out for 60 h at 250 degrees C and 20 bar in a fixed-bed reactor using syngas with a H-2:CO:N-2 molar ratio of 6:3:1. The addition of K and Co stabilized catalytic activity, while the selectivity to kerosene range hydrocarbon was increased up to 30%. In addition, Co and K co-promoted catalysts reached the highest CO conversion and kerosene selectivity.