Fischer-tropsch hydrocarbons synthesis from a simulated biosyngas

Abstract

The gasification of biomass followed by a Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) is a good alternative for synthesis of gasoline and/or diesel. However, this process may be considered as a high-cost technology, depending on crude oil and biomass raw material prices. The viability may be increased depending on the value of biomass, cost of transportation of biomass and the separation (conditioning) of gases produced in the gasification (elimination of CO2, CH4, N2 and others). Nevertheless, this gas mixture called biosyngas may be used in the FTS without pre-conditioned for producing gasoline and/or diesel. The main focus of this chapter will be on the latest investigations in the FTS carried out in a microreactor from a simulated biosyngas (without conditioning), as an alternative to decrease the cost of this process. This chapter reports results of catalytic activity and characterization of Fe/SiO2 and Co/SiO2 catalysts and Cu, Re, Ru and Zn promoted Co/SiO2 catalysts.