Deactivation behaviors of hybrid Fischer–Tropsch catalysts in the production of middle distillate from synthesis gas in a dual-bed reactor

Abstract

Production of middle distillate (C₁₀–C₂₀) from synthesis gas (CO + H₂) through hydrocracking of wax (>C₂₁₊) was carried out in a dual-bed reactor. Fischer–Tropsch catalyst (Co/TiO₂) was used in the first-bed reactor to produce wax from synthesis gas, and a mesoporous Pd–alumina composite catalyst (Pd–Al₂O₃) was used in the second-bed reactor to produce middle distillate through hydrocracking of wax. Both Fischer–Tropsch synthesis function of Co/TiO₂ catalyst and hydrocracking function of Pd–Al₂O₃ catalyst were deactivated during 100 h-hybrid Fischer–Tropsch synthesis reaction. It was revealed that deactivation behaviors of Co/TiO₂ and Pd–Al₂O₃ catalysts were governed by different factors. Wax accumulation and Co sintering were responsible for deactivation of Co/TiO₂ catalyst in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis reaction. Loss of Pd dispersion and Pd surface area of Pd–Al₂O₃ catalyst was responsible for its decreased catalytic performance in the production of middle distillate through hydrocracking of wax.