Cobalt-containing catalysts supported by synthetic Zn- and Mg-stevensites and their performance in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Co-containing catalysts supported onto the synthetic stevensites of Zn and Mg were prepared using various methods. The evolution of the catalyst struc ture was monitored during the calcination and a reductive treatment. During the calcination, Co2+ cations substitute the divalent cations of the suppo rt, that leads to the formation of the mixed Co-Me-stevensite. These Co spe cies cannot be reduced at temperatures below 700 degreesC. The phase compos ition of the catalyst after the reduction at 500 degreesC contains Co-0 par ticles supported by the Go-Me mixed stevensites. Unexpectedly, the performa nce of the Co/stevensite catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was muc h worse, than that of Co/MgO. The supposition on the metal-support interact ion. which causes the low electron-donor capacity of the metallic Co may ex plain the experimental data. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.