Iron Distribution Control into Porous γ-Al₂O₃ Microspheres for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

چکیده مقاله

In this work, a series of alumina-based iron catalysts have been prepared through an impregnation procedure by adjusting the drying temperature, iron concentration, and pre-wetting agent, and studied for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The engineered strategy was resulted in a uniform distribution of iron active phase into the porous alumina granules, which improved significantly the catalytic performance. The prepared catalysts were characterized using XRD, BET, FESEM, EDS mapping and ICP-OES analysis. The most active catalyst was obtained by alumina granule pre-wetted by ethanol, iron concentration of 2 M, and drying temperature of 70 °C. Transformation from non-homogenous to homogenous distribution profile resulted in increase in catalysts activity, which could related to higher specific surface area. Decrease in methane selectivity, and increase in heavy hydrocarbons selectivities in iron catalyst with uniform metal distribution is due to larger pore size. © The Tunisian Chemical Society and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.