Fe-based catalysts have long been seen as a promising solution for the development of large scale CO2 hydrogenation processes with the goal of synthesizing custom hydrocarbon blends. CO2 hydrogenation using an Fe-based catalyst is a two-step process involving the water gas shift reaction and the Fischer Tropsch reaction, both yield H2O as a major byproduct. This H2O generation is a significant problem for Fe based catalysts which are often deactivated by H2O over time due to oxidation, aggregation, and poisoning of active sites. Ultimately this leads to a reduction in overall yield of useful hydrocarbons and decreased lifetime of the catalyst. In order to combat this sensitivity, new catalytic systems have been developed to both increase the inherent robustness of the Fe based catalysts and limit the catalyst’s exposure to H2O in the reactor. In this presentation we will discuss different methods of limiting the impact of water in Fe based systems. The addition of high boiling point solvents such as mineral oil to the reactor bed is used with the goal of discouraging water from absorbing onto the surface of the catalyst. Specifically we will highlight how product distribution, yield, and kinetics are effected by changing solvent conditions as well as how solvents can affect the physical and chemical properties of Fe-based catalysts over time under highly reactive conditions.

Combating the detrimental effects of water in Fe-based CO2 hydrogenation catalysts

251st National Meeting (2016)

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