Co-Ru/MCM-22 catalysts for application in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

The objective of this study was to characterize the zeolite MCM-22 support structure after static hydrothermal preparation, then to prepare a cobalt and ruthenium-based catalyst supported by MCM-22 zeolite via wet impregnation, and finally, to assess the performance of both catalysts in the Fischer–Tropsch reaction with regard to the production of long-chain (C 8 ) hydrocarbons. Cobalt catalysts promoted with ruthenium and supported on MCM-22 were prepared using the co-impregnation method. The MCM-22 zeolite was prepared using a 150 °C hydrothermal treatment for two different lengths of time (9–10 days), under static conditions. The Co-Ru-MCM-22 catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy, N 2 adsorption–desorption, temperature-programmed reduction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The Fischer–Tropsch synthesis was carried out in a slurry reactor using the following operating conditions: 240 °C, 10 and 20 bar, 1:1 CO:H 2 molar ratio. X-ray diffractograms showed a well-defined MWW structure for MCM-22. Spherical particles were observed on the scanning electron micrographs. On transmission electron micrographs, it was possible to identity well-dispersed cobalt particles in the Co-MCM-22 catalyst having an average particle size of 33.89 nm. Both Co-Ru/MCM-22(9D) and Co-Ru/MCM-22(10D) were used in the improved FTS in order to study the influence of promoters on the production of hydrocarbons with higher commercial value (> C 8 ).