Increasing carbon utilization in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using H2-deficient or CO2-rich syngas feeds

Fischer-Tropsch technology has become a topical issue in the energy industry in recent times. The synthesis of linear hydrocarbon that has high cetane number diesel fuel through the Fischer-Tropsch reaction requires syngas with high H-2/CO ratio. Nevertheless, the production of syngas from biomass and coal, which have low H-2/CO ratios or are CO2 rich may be desirable for environmental and socio-political reasons. Efficient carbon utilization in such H-2-deficient and CO2-rich syngas feeds has not been given the required attention. It is desirable to improve carbon utilization using such syngas feeds in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis not only for process economy but also for sustainable development. Previous catalyst and process development efforts were directed toward maximising C5+ selectivity; they are not for achieving high carbon utilization with H-2-deficient and CO2-rich syngas feeds. However, current trends in FTS catalyst design hold the potential of achieving high carbon utilization with wide option of selectivities. Highlights of the current trends in FTS catalyst design are presented and their prospect for achieving high carbon utilization in FTS using H-2-deficient and CO2-rich syngas feeds is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved