Agglomeration of Fe/SBA-15 with clays for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

The huge contribution of the transportation sector to GHG emissions motivates the search for a sustainable and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a catalytic process to convert synthesis gas into hydrocarbons for the production of fuels and chemicals. However, further development of FTS catalysts is still needed in order to make the process based on renewables economically viable. In this work mesoporous Fe/SBA-15 was synthesized. Two natural clays (hectorite and kaolin) were used as catalyst binders and promoters. The agglomeration with the clays did not disrupt the mesoporous structure of Fe/SBA-15. The effect of the clay and the effect of the catalyst form (i.e. powder or granules) on the FTS performance was investigated at 280 °C and 20 bar. Comparing catalysts agglomerated with kaolin and hectorite, better performance was observed for catalysts containing kaolin. Catalysts in the form of powder showed better performance in CO converted per gram of iron than the same catalysts in the form of granules. Granular catalysts promoted the formation of gaseous products.