Development of Novel Catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Tuning the Product Selectivity

TLDR

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis converts synthesis gas into hydrocarbons, yet conventional catalysts produce unselective product distributions, driving renewed interest in reducing petroleum dependence. The review aims to summarize how key factors influence catalytic properties and to highlight recent developments of novel catalysts and strategies for controlling product selectivity. The authors review recent literature on catalyst design and process strategies that modulate product selectivity in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.

Abstract

Abstract Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is a heterogeneous catalytic process for the production of clean hydrocarbon fuels or chemicals from synthesis gas (CO+H 2 ), which can be derived from non‐petroleum feedstocks such as natural gas, coal, or biomass. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis has received renewed interests in recent years because of the global demand for a decreased dependence on petroleum for production of fuels and chemicals. The product distributions with conventional Fischer–Tropsch catalysts usually follow the Anderson–Schulz–Flory distribution and are typically unselective with regards to the formation of hydrocarbons from methane to waxes. Selectivity control is one of the key challenges of research into Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. This Review article summarizes the effects of key factors on catalytic properties, particularly the product selectivity, and highlights recent developments of novel Fischer–Tropsch catalysts and new strategies with an aim at controlling the product selectivity.