Publications Details
Syngas Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals
Iron catalysts are particularly useful for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis when the H2 to CO ratio of the synthesis gas is low since iron exhibits water gas shift as well as FT activity. Iron catalysts are active for Fischer Tropsch synthesis only when in the carbide state. The active iron carbide catalyst has a 1-3 nm carbonaceous layer, which can only be found on the carbided iron catalyst (no carbonaceous material is found on iron oxide particles that maybe present). This paper will address the nature of the carbonaceous material that is required for product formation. The carbonaceous material is amorphous, does not require hydrogen to form, and is the starting material for FT products.