Silica-Supported Cobalt Catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Effects of Calcination Temperature and Support Surface Area on Cobalt Silicate Formation

Abstract

Cobalt silicate formation reduces the activity of the catalyst in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). In this article, the effects of calcination temperature and support surface area on the formation of cobalt silicate are explored. FTS catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of cobalt nitrate precursor into various silica supports. Deionized water was used as preparation medium. The properties of catalysts were characterized at different stages using FTIR, XRD and BET techniques. FTIR-ATR analysis of the synthesized catalyst samples before and after 48 h reaction identified cobalt species formed during the impregnation/calcination stage and after the reduction/reaction stage. It was found that in the reduction/reaction stage, metal-support interaction (MSI) added to the formation of irreducible cobalt silicate phase. Co/silica catalysts with lower surface area (300 m²/g) exhibited higher C₅₊ selectivity which can be attributed to less MSI and higher reducibility and dispersion. The prepared catalysts with different drying and calcination temperatures were also compared. Catalysts dried and calcined at lower temperatures exhibited higher activity and lower cobalt silicate formation. The catalyst sample calcined at 573 K showed the highest CO conversion and the lowest CH₄ selectivity.