Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: Towards a highly-selective catalyst by lanthanide promotion under relevant CO2 syngas mixtures

Abstract The role of lanthanides as promoters on cobalt-based catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was evaluated under relevant biomass-derived syngas mixtures. Cerium, lanthanum and a combination of them were impregnated on an industrial cobalt-based micro-catalyst. Lanthanide incorporation did not affect significantly the morphology of the catalyst, although it reduced the available surface cobalt. Catalytic tests revealed that both the presence of carbon dioxide in the feed and lanthanides in the catalyst led to similar outcomes; higher selectivity to long-chain hydrocarbons, at the expense of reactivity. Reaction experiments were well aligned with in-situ DRIFTS measurements, which evidenced the modification of the initial reaction mechanism, CO2 conversion and the presence of lower CO-cobalt coverages. This work reports two relevant findings for FTS development. Firstly, the presence of carbon dioxide is beneficial for long-chain hydrocarbon production. Secondly, the incorporation of lanthanides increases the production of gasoline, kerosene and diesel fractions.