Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis is an effective technology to indirectly upgrade the abundant coal, natural gas, and renewable biomass resources into high-value added fine chemicals and fuels. Recently, because of increased concern about the energy supply security and the implementation of more stringent environmental legislations on liquid fuels, FT synthesis has received considerable worldwide attention in both industrial and academic domains. Gasification is the process in which a carbon source (biomass, coal, petcoke and reforming of natural gas) is converted to synthesis gas in the presence of oxygen/air and steam. FT conversion processes are affected by the presence of impurities such as H2S, COS, NH3, HCN, and tars, formed during gasification. Even ppb level concentrations of these impurities could be detrimental. The composition of the synthesis gas is depending on the type of gasification technology and conditions employed. Although present in moderate amounts, the impurities can have a significant impact on the downstream cobalt FT catalyst.
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