Characterization of cobalt nanoparticles on different supports for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract The structure of cobalt nanoparticles on alumina and carbon nanotube supports, prepared by a simple and fast method, is investigated using a wide range of characterization techniques (TG, DTA, XRD, nitrogen adsorption, XPS, EXAFS and (HR)TEM). The samples were obtained by several cobalt impregnation steps and are expected to be efficient catalyts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Cobalt nanoparticles ranging from 3 to 5 nm, forming small clusters of 10 to 20 nm, were successfully prepared on alumina and carbon nanotube, the morphology depending on the support.