Work

Coal fly ash derived SBA-15 supported Co/Fe catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This research article investigates the conversion of syngas (CO + H 2 ) using Zr/Ru-promoted Co–Fe-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts supported on SBA–15 mesoporous silica synthesized from coal fly ash (CFA). The support and catalysts are characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), H 2 –Temperature Programmed Reduction (H 2 -TPR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The main surface phases are identified as Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 for Co-rich and Fe-rich bimetallic catalysts, respectively. Catalyst performance is evaluated in a fixed-bed tubular reactor under conditions of syngas (H 2 /CO ∼ 2:1) at 220 °C, 30 bar pressure, and a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 500 h −1 for hydrocarbon synthesis. The Zr–Ru promoted Co-based catalyst achieves a higher CO conversion of 80.3 %, while the Zr–Ru promoted Co-rich bimetallic catalyst demonstrates superior selectivity (∼88.7 %) for liquid hydrocarbons (C 5+ ). Catalyst stability is assessed through analysis of CO conversion over time, and spent catalysts are further characterized by XRD to understand phase changes during the course of reaction.

Source: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2025.102289

Authors: Pavan K. Gupta, Vineet Kumar, Sudip Maity, Sumit Kamal, Rajaram Bal

Institutions: Indian Institute of Technology Dhanbad, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Indian Institute of Petroleum

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,600