The development of precipitated iron catalysts with improved stability

Precipitated iron catalysts are expected to be used in the next generation of slurry reactors for the large-scale production of transportation fuels from synthesis gas. These reactors may operate at higher temperatures and lower H {sub 2}: CO ratios relative to the Sasol Arge reactor. The feasibility of iron catalysts has been demonstrated under relatively mild Arge-type conditions but not under the more severe slurry conditions. The goal of this program is to identify the chemical principles governing the deactivation of precipitated iron catalysts during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and to use these chemical principles in the design of catalysts suitable for slurry reactors.