Iron-based catalysts encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon for selective synthesis of liquid fuels through the Fischer-Tropsch process

Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis(FTS)has the potential to be a powerful strategy for producing liquid fuels from syngas if highly selective catalysts can be developed.Herein,a series of iron nanoparticle catalysts encapsulated by nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon were prepared by a one‐step pyrolysis of a ferric L‐glutamic acid complex.The FeC‐800 catalyst pyrolyzed at 800°C showed excellent catalytic activity(239.4μmolCO gFe–1 s–1),high C5–C11 selectivity(49%),and good stability in FTS.The high dispersion of ferric species combined with a well‐encapsulated structure can effectively inhibit the migration of iron nanoparticles during the reaction process,which is beneficial for high activity and good stability.The nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon shell can act as an electron donor to the iron particles,thus promoting CO activation and expediting the formation of Fe5C2,which is the key factor for obtaining high C5–C11 selectivity.

Recent advances in application of iron‐based catalysts for CO_(x) hydrogenation to value‐added hydrocarbons

The widespread utilization of fossil fuels has caused an associated increase in CO_(2) emissions over the past few decades,which has resulted in global warming and ocean acidification.CO hydrogenation(Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis,FTS)is considered a significant route for the production of liquid fuels and chemicals from nonpetroleum sources to meet worldwide demand.Conversion of CO_(2) with renewable H_(2) into valuable hydrocarbons is beneficial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the negative effects of high CO_(2) concentrations in the atmosphere.Iron‐based catalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance in both FTS and CO_(2) hydrogenation to value‐added hydrocarbons.The abundance and low cost of iron‐based catalysts also promote their wide application in CO_(x) hydrogenation.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the significant developments in the application of iron‐based catalysts in these two fields.The active phases,promoter effect,and support of iron‐based catalysts are discussed in the present paper.Based on understanding of these three essential aspects,we also cover recent advances in the design and preparation of novel iron‐based catalysts for FTS and CO_(2) hydrogenation.Current challenges and future catalytic applications are also outlined.

The relationship between the microstructures and catalytic behaviors of iron–oxygen precursors during direct coal liquefaction

A series of both unsupported and coal‐supported iron–oxygen compounds with gradual changes in microstructure were synthesized by a precipitation‐oxidation process at 20 to 70°C.The relationship between the microstructures and catalytic activities of these precursors during direct coal liquefaction was studied.The results show that the microstructure could be controlled through adjusting the synthesis temperature during the precipitation‐oxidation procedure,and that compounds synthesized at lower temperatures exhibit higher catalytic activity.As a result of their higher proportions ofγ‐FeOOH orα‐FeOOH crystalline phases,the unsupported iron–oxygen compounds synthesized at 20–30°C,which also had high specific surface areas and moisture levels,generate oil yields 4.5%–4.6%higher than those obtained with precursors synthesized at 70°C.It was also determined that higher oil yields were obtained when the catalytically‐active phase formed by the precursors during liquefaction(pyrrhotite,Fe1-xS)had smaller crystallites.Feed coal added as a carrier was found to efficiently disperse the active precursors,which in turn significantly improved the catalytic activity during coal liquefaction.

Review of Directly Producing Light Olefins via CO Hydrogenation

Directly making light olefins via CO hydrogenation is a promising process toobtain a non-petroleum based supply of alkenes. Limited by the ASF distribution function ofFischer-Tropsch synthesis, the yield of light olefins (C_2-C_4) can not reach the desired levels,which is a great challenge to overcome. Beginning with a brief introduction of F-T synthesis, thispaper provides a review of current research, including thermodynamic analysis, the ASF distributionfunction, the reaction performance of CO hydrogenation and slurry reactor studies. The problemscurrently faced by this research area are presented at the end of the article.

Green fuel from coal via Fischer-Tropsch process： scenario of optimal condition of process and modelling

Extracting, transportation and the using from fossil fuels can damage to the hydrosphere, the biosphere and the Earth＇s atmosphere. But humans always need to this valuable substance. The production of oil derivatives by means of forest waste and coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process is an appropriate solution for the cleanliness of all parts of the environment. For the production of favorite products by the synthesis of Fischer-Tropsch, the performance of the catalyst under different operating conditions should be predictable. For this reason, in this paper, eight mathematical models were determined for the selectivity of five products of methane, light hydrocarbons, gasoline, diesel and wax based on three factors of reduction temperature, time on stream, and He/CO ratio inlet gas on iron-based catalyst. The results showed that the reduction temperature factor had the most effective on the selectivity of hydrocarbon products, exception diesel, so that the increase of the reduction temperature led to increase of the selectivity of methane, light hydrocarbons, gasoline and reduce of the degree of selectivity of the wax and vice versa. For the diesel selectivity, factor of the He/CO ratio inlet gas was the most effective than other factors.