A robust and precious metal-free high performance cobalt Fischer–Tropsch catalyst

Slurry-phase Fischer–Tropsch catalysis is widely used in the production of synthetic transportation fuels, but places severe stresses on the catalyst due to the demanding hydrothermal and mechanical reaction conditions. In this Article we report the synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of a robust cobalt-based Fischer–Tropsch catalyst. Combining an inert alpha alumina support with an appropriate cobalt addition method produces a material that is easy to reduce without precious metal additives and is mechanically and hydrothermally stable. Unlike many Fischer–Tropsch catalysts, this material is resistant to sintering and shows excellent selectivity and good activity in slurry-phase testing over 1,000 hours. The Fischer–Tropsch reaction is one of the key means of producing synthetic fuels. Here a deposition method to disperse cobalt nanoparticles across an alpha alumina support is shown to produce a highly stable system capable of withstanding demanding conditions while providing excellent activity.