Cobalt hybrid catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract

Currently, cobalt and zeolites are used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to produce gasoline-range hydrocarbons (GRHs) that constitute clean and environmentally friendly fuels. This technology has earned a great deal of attention from researchers across the world, as it provides a substitute for fuel derived from fossil crudes, which have hitherto been the sole source of the petrol and diesel required by the industry. However, owing to the depletion of the earth's oil and coal reserves and the unfavourable environmental impact of conventional fuel production, an alternative source of fuel is needed. This article provides a critical review of the technological challenges involved in producing middle isoparaffins and olefins (gasoline hydrocarbons) by FTS. These involve combining cobalt-based catalysts and zeolites to form hybrid catalysts. In this review, we address most of these by setting out each method of creating cobalt and zeolite hybrid catalysts in turn, so that researchers can identify which applications are most effective for producing GRHs.