Fischer-tropsch synthesis of fuels and olefins in 3D printed SS microreactor using iron/graphene oxide catalysts with Mn- and Na-metal promoters

The effects of adding Mn and Na promoter metals to graphene oxide (GO)-supported iron-based catalysts for Ficher-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) reactions to olefins at 20 bars were investigated in a 3D-printed stainless steel (SS) Microreactor. While promoter metals encourage reduction of iron oxide to iron to form iron carbide, the active metal catalysts in GO allow hydrogenation of CO. These catalysts were synthesized by layer deposition method and characterized by different techniques. The TEM images show the integration of graphene oxide into the catalysts. The XRD and XPS studies confirmed the crystal structure and oxidation states of the metals. The catalytic activity and product selectivity were studied in the temperature range of 200–350°Cwith a 2:1 M ratio of H2: CO. Higher CO conversion with greater selectivity for olefins was observed in the presence of the promoters. FeMnNa@GO showed better stability than both Fe@GO and FeMn@GO catalysts in time-on-stream studies. [Display omitted] •Fe-based catalysts supported by GO-nanosheets were synthesized with promoters.•FTS reactions were performed in SS (3-D printed) microreactor at 20 bar.•Higher CO conversion and olefin selectivity were observed with promoters.•FeMn@GO catalyst yielded higher CO conversion with higher olefin selectivity.