Innovative preparation of catalysts by aerosol route for the Fischer – Tropsch synthesis

Usually Fischer – Tropsch (FT) catalysts are obtained through the deposition of cobalt active phase onto the support. This oxide support is normally obtained by a spray – drying synthetic pathway. The present work aims the synthesis and characterization of FT catalyst through spray-drying pathway. Silica and alumina based solids were investigated. It was found a very high dispersion of cobalt leading to a high molecular interaction between the cobalt precursor and inorganic molecular precursor. Therefore, it was confirmed the existence of cobalt silicates or aluminates. In order to weaken Co and carrier atoms interactions, several preparation parameters were modified, like modifying pH of the atomizing solution to induce electrostatic attraction or repulsion of Co and Si or Al precursors in the initial solution. Better results regarding the cobalt accessibility and reducibility were achieved for a more acidic media. Nevertheless, it was still noticed the presence of cobalt silicates or aluminates. A more exhaustive study should be done concerning synthesis parameters for both alumina and silica carriers. Furthermore, the loading of a promoter metal should be tried in order to improve the cobalt reducibility.