Monolithic structures made of cordierite, gamma -Al2O3 and steel have been
prepared as catalysts and tested for Fischer-Tropsch activity. The monolith
s made of cordierite and steel were washcoated with a 20 wt.% Co-1 wt. % Re
/gamma -Al2O3 Fischer-Tropsch catalyst whereas tile gamma -Al2O3 monoliths
were made by direct impregnation with an aqueous solution of the Co and Re
salts resulting in a loading of 12 wt.% Cc and 0.5 wt.% Re. The activity an
d selectivity of the different monoliths were compared with the correspondi
ng powder reserved.
Higher washcoat loadings resulted in decreased C5+ selectivity and olefin/p
araffin ratios due to increased transport limitations. The impregnated gamm
a -Al2O3 monoliths also showed similar C5+ selectivities as powder catalyst
s of small particle size (38-53 mum). Lower activities were observed with t
he steel monoliths probably due to experimental problems. (C) 2001 Elsevier
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