Deactivation of a Co FTS catalyst by carbon: insights from theory and experiment, from real catalysts to single crystal surfaces

摘要

Laydown of detrimental carbon was identified as a deactivation mechanism on Co FTS catalysts [1]. Extensive characterization of catalysts exposed to industrial scale FTS revealed that polymeric carbon builds up with time on line. This carbon is located both on the Co and on the support. Intentional carbon laydown followed by FTS activity tests confirmed the detrimental effect of carbon.