Deactivation of Co-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by aerosol deposition of potassium salts

• A 20%Co/0.5%Re/γAl2O3 Fischer-Tropsch catalyst was poisoned by four potassium salts (KNO3, K2SO4, KCl, K2CO3) using the aerosol deposition technique, depositing up to 3500 ppm K as solid particles. Standard characterization techniques (H2 Chemisorption, BET, TPR) showed no difference between treated samples and their unpoisoned counterpart. The Fischer-Tropsch activity was investigated at industrially relevant conditions (210 °C, H2:CO = 2:1, 20 bar). The catalytic activity was significantly reduced for samples exposed to potassium, and the loss of activity was more severe with higher potassium loadings, regardless of the potassium salt used. A possible dual deactivation effect by potassium and the counter-ion (chloride, sulfate) is observed with the samples poisoned by KCl and K2SO4. The selectivity towards heavier hydrocarbons (C5+) was slightly increased with increasing potassium loading, while the CH4 selectivity was reduced for all the treated samples. The results support the idea that potassium is mobile under FT conditions. The loss of activity was described by simple deactivation models which imply a strong non-selective poisoning by the potassium species.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Kemiteknik -- Kemiska processer (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Chemical Engineering -- Chemical Process Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Fischer-Tropsch

Biomass

Cobalt catalyst

Deactivation

Potassium

Bioenergiteknik/Energi- och Miljöteknik

Bioenergy Technology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)