Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over Co-lr-SiO2 catalysts prepared by the alkoxide method

The effect of catalyst pore size on the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis carried o ut in the slurry phase was investigated using uniformly dispersed Co-Ir-SiO 2 catalysts prepared by the alkoxide method (the sol-gel method), with the pore size controlled by changing the preparation conditions and adding vari ous organic compounds during the catalyst preparation. Increased pore size resulted in decreases in CO conversion and selectivity to CO2, a by-product , and to CH4, and an increase in the olefin/paraffin ratio of the products. The alpha -value of the product distribution was not greatly changed with the pore size of the catalysts. The reaction results were explained in term s of heat transfer limitations in the micro pores of the catalysts.