The Fischer-Tropsch to olefins (FTO) process is proposed as a direct route for the conversion of synthesis gas to light olefins (C2-C4). The FTO process has to be carried out at high temperatures in order to drive product selectivity to short chain hydrocarbons. Under these conditions, methanation and carbon deposition may lead to poor product selectivity and low catalyst stability. Previous studies have been carried out, often using bulk iron catalysts, to find promoters to decrease methane formation and to improve selectivity towards lower olefins [1-2]. Bulk iron catalysts, however, that are exposed to the very demanding conditions of FTO (typically 340 �C, 20 bar, H2/CO=1) tend to disintegrate as a result of carbon lay-down [3]. Supported iron catalysts have been synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation of ammonium iron citrate on a weakly interactive support, e.g., a-Al2O3 or carbon nanofibers. A judicious choice of support, promoters (sodium + sulphur), iron particle size and iron nanoparticle distribution has led to a combination of high activity, high selectivity (up to 60 wt% C2-C4 olefins) and high stability for FTO [4].ReferencesB. B�ssemeier, C. D. Frohning, G. Horn, K. Werner, U. S. Patent No. 4564652 (1986).R. Crous, T. C. Bromfield, S. Booyens, International Patent Application No. WO2010066386 A1 (2010).D. S. Kalakkad, M. D. Shroff, S. K�hler, N. Jackson, A. K. Datye, Appl. Catal. A 133 (1995) 335.H.M. Torres, J.H. Bitter, C.B. Khare, M. Ruitenbeek, A. Iulian Dugulan and K.P. de Jong., Science 335 (2012) 835-838.

Iron nanoparticles on weakly interactive supports as catalysts for the direct conversion of synthesis gas to lower olefins

244th National Meeting (2012)

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