Abstract
The optimization of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) loading on silica for the low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch (LTFT) synthesis process employing simulated nitrogen-rich syngas (50 vol%) to produce highly paraffinic biodiesel is studied. Four different amounts of Co3O4 varying from 15 to 36 wt% were loaded on silica in order to examine the catalytic performance of Co/SiO2 catalysts. The supported catalysts were characterized using XRF, nitrogen physisorption, XRD, TPR, DRIFT and SEM fixed with EDS analysis. The performances of the catalysts were examined in a single channel fixed bed reactor employing simulated nitrogen-rich syngas (CO:H2:N2 = 17:33:50 vol%). The reactor was operated at P = 20 bar, T = 237 °C and WHSV = 3.0 Nl/h.gcat. The active site concentration was maximized by (i) utilizing all the available surface area of the sphere's porous support, (ii) using ethanolic impregnation solution to hinder sintering of Co3O4 phases due to presence of ethoxyl groups, and (iii) connecting oxide crystallites to the neighbouring pores by increasing the active metal content. As a result, the production of heavy hydrocarbons per unit of time was maximized with 36 wt% cobalt loading on silica (CO conversion and C5+ selectivity were 87.65 and 81.78 mol%, respectively, and also paraffin: olefin ratio was 98:2).
Original language | English |
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Article number | 106477 |
Journal | Fuel Processing Technology |
Volume | 208 |
Early online date | 14 Jul 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information: The support of Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. is highly appreciated and acknowledged by the author for providing qualified catalyst support. Moreover, the author would like to acknowledge Dr. Jackie Deans, Mr. John Wedderburn, Mr. Jeff Sutton, Mrs. Theresa Morris and Mr. Paul Stanley for their technical support at the University of Birmingham.Keywords
- Biodiesel
- Cobalt catalyst
- Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
- Paraffin
- Silica support
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemical Engineering
- Fuel Technology
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology