Cobalt-containing catalysts supported by synthetic Zn- and Mg-stevensites and their performance in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Abstract Co-containing catalysts supported onto the synthetic stevensites of Zn and Mg were prepared using various methods. The evolution of the catalyst structure was monitored during the calcination and a reductive treatment. During the calcination, Co 2+ cations substitute the divalent cations of the support, that leads to the formation of the mixed Co–Me-stevensite. These Co species cannot be reduced at temperatures below 700°C. The phase composition of the catalyst after the reduction at 500°C contains Co 0 particles supported by the Co–Me mixed stevensites. Unexpectedly, the performance of the Co/stevensite catalysts in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis was much worse, than that of Co/MgO. The supposition on the metal-support interaction, which causes the low electron-donor capacity of the metallic Co may explain the experimental data.