Synergism of surface Co-rich activated carbon-supported bimetallic Co:Fe catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

ABSTRACT

The present study explores the remarkable potential of activated carbon-supported cobalt-rich bimetallic catalysts (Co:Fe) in Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. The H₂/CO ratio of the syngas was maintained at 1 to simulate biomass gasification. The temperature, pressure, and GHSV were maintained at 240°C, 20 bar, and 20 mL g.cat⁻¹ min⁻¹, respectively. Totally five combinations of mono- and bimetallic catalysts were synthesized by sequential impregnation of Fe followed by Co, offering a novel and facile approach. The characterization studies revealed the Co-rich surface of the bimetallic catalysts with Co₃O₄ as an active metal species. The FT activity tests revealed the superior performance of the bimetallic catalysts than their monometallic counterparts. The selectivity to C₅₊ compounds increased with increase in Co content while the CO conversion increased up to 5% Fe content and then decreased further. The maximum CO conversion (67.4%) and C₅₊ yield (47.6%) were observed for 15Co5Fe/AC. The study provides a unique perspective on the advancement of C₅₊ fuel production in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, achieved through the synergy of FTS-active cobalt and WGS-active iron.

KEYWORDS:

• Fischer-Tropsch
• bimetallic
• cobalt
• iron
• activated carbon

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Consortia Research Platform on Energy from Agriculture (CRP on EA), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, India, and the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, for their support in providing necessary funding and facilities to carry out this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under Consortia Research Platform on Energy from Agriculture (CRP on EA) [No. C31SR-1-3(A)].

Notes on contributors

V. Karuppasamy Vikraman

V. Karuppasamy Vikraman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore. His researches focus on waste valorization for carbon nanomaterial production, biofuel synthesis and waste heat utilization from renewable energy systems. He has published over 8 peer-reviewed research papers and 11 book chapters to his name contributing to the state of the art in renewable energy technologies.

P. Subramanian

P. Subramanian presently serving as the Professor and Head of the Department of Renwable Energy Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy District. His specialization included biomass energy conversion and energy management. He has more than 26 years of experience in teaching and involved three international projects, ten national projects and 11 state funding projects. He has guided 7 M.Tech. students and 5 Research scholars. He has published 42 International and 23 National research papers. He also obtained 5 design patents for various technologies of agricultural engineering.

D. Praveen Kumar

D. Praveen Kumar is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India. He has developed a plasma gasification system and synthesized activated carbon and carbon molecular sieves that can be used as a catalyst, catalyst support and as effective adsorbent materials. He has published 6 international and 6 national level research articles and contributed nearly five book chapters.