Cobalt Catalyst Ester Support Mixed Oxide Phase
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts, particularly those based on cobalt, do not achieve sufficient performance and selectivity, and their industrial deployment is complicated due to complex preparation methods, necessitating the development of more effective catalysts with improved activity and selectivity.
Innovation Solution
A process for preparing a catalyst with an active cobalt phase deposited on a support containing a mixed oxide phase of cobalt and/or nickel, using an organic compound with an ester function such as γ-valerolactone, methyl laurate, or propylene carbonate, which enhances the catalyst's activity and selectivity by increasing cobalt dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Fischer-Tropsch catalysts are used, then the catalyst structure is simple, but the activity and selectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support is pre-modified with mixed oxide phases (cobalt and/or nickel) before cobalt deposition. This preliminary structural preparation creates a more effective support framework that enhances subsequent cobalt dispersion and catalyst performance without requiring complex post-treatment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst employs a composite support structure combining alumina, silica, or silica-alumina with mixed oxide phases containing cobalt and/or nickel. This composite material approach creates synergistic effects that improve catalyst activity and selectivity while maintaining a relatively simple preparation process.
2Productivity
If cobalt dispersion is increased to improve activity, then the number of active sites increases, but the preparation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Cobalt is selectively dispersed on specific sites of the support structure where mixed oxide phases are present. This localized dispersion approach maximizes the number of active sites in critical regions while maintaining overall process simplicity through the inherent structure-directing properties of the mixed oxide support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The catalyst exhibits improved activity and selectivity compared to traditional methods, with increased cobalt dispersion leading to a greater number of active sites, making the process more efficient and potentially more profitable.
Implementation Method 1
the use of an organic compound comprising at least one ester function... made it possible to obtain a catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis showing improved catalytic performances... exhibits a significantly higher cobalt dispersion
Implementation Method 2
a step of bringing a support comprising alumina, silica or silica-alumina into contact with at least one solution containing at least one cobalt and/or nickel precursor, then drying and calcining at a temperature between 700 and 1200°C
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a catalyst containing an active cobalt phase deposited on a support comprising alumina, silica or silica-alumina, said support having a mixed oxide phase containing cobalt and/or nickel, wherein the catalyst is prepared by adding at least one organic compound comprising at least one ester function. The invention also relates to the use thereof in the field of Fischer-Tropsch processes.