Magnetic characterization of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

Abstract

This paper reviews recent developments in the application of magnetic methods for investigation of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts involving cobalt, iron and nickel. Magnetic characterization provides valuable information about catalyst reduction, sizes of ferromagnetic nanoparticles, chemisorption on ferromagnetics and topochemical reactions which occur with the catalysts during the genesis of the active phase and in the conditions of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The capabilities and challenges of the magnetic methods are discussed. Copyright © 2009, Institut français du pétrole.