Effects of Nickel Aluminate Spinel (NiAl2O4) as Catalyst Support and Promoters (Ru, Rh) in Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis

Abstract The novel NiAl 2 O 4 spinel was used as support to synthesis cobalt catalysts and investigated for Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalysts (Co/NiAl 2 O 4 , Co/Rh/NiAl 2 O 4 , Co/Ru/NiAl 2 O 4 and Co/γ‐Al 2 O 3 ) were characterized by XRD, BET, ICP, SEM, FESEM, HRTEM, TPR and TGA analysis before reaction. It was shown the use of novel NiAl 2 O 4 support that was prepared by a modified sol‐gel process had a good dispersion. Besides that, Nickel aluminate decreased the interaction of Co and support and resulting in a significant increase in the reduction degree and the catalytic activity. The catalyst of 15Co/0.5Rh/NiAl 2 O 4 shows the highest catalytic activity. It is worth noting that the NiAl 2 O 4 support decreased the CH 4 selectivity but enhanced the C 5+ selectivity and catalytic stability.