Nitrogen-rich mesoporous carbon supported iron catalyst with superior activity for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Superior iron-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts (Fe/NMCs) were developed by impregnating high amount of iron (40 wt%) over nitrogen-rich mesoporous carbons (NMCs) with high porosities. The large pore volumes and specific surface areas of NMCs realized the high loadings and proper dispersions of iron while the nitrogen-containing groups enhanced the basicities of the catalysts. Weak metal-support interactions were observed in Fe/NMCs, which improved the reduction, carburization of iron, and further the FTS activities. FTS tests indicated a medium amount of nitrogen (≤8.3 wt%) did not show obvious effect on the activity of the catalyst, but a much higher amount of nitrogen (≥16.5 wt%) could result in a significant decrease of activity. Nitrogen-containing groups could effectively suppress the methane selectivity and improve the lower olefins selectivity in the FTS reaction. The hydrocarbon productivity of the Fe/NMCs was up to 0.62 g HC/(h·g cat.) at 260 °C, 1 MPa, and H₂/CO ratio of 1, much higher than that of any other iron catalyst reported under similar conditions. As a result of the superior performance, Fe/NMCs could be one of ideal candidates for iron-based FTS catalysts in the future.