Manganese Promotion in Titania-Supported Cobalt Fischer-Tropsch Catalysis

Abstract

Using the Fischer-Tropsch technology high molecular hydrocarbons are synthesized from CO/H2 mixtures through a surface-catalyzed polymerization reaction using Co-based catalysts. This process enables the transformation of natural gas into clean synthetic fuels. The work discribed in this thesis is the investigation of the pyhsicochemical and catalytic properties of TiO2-supported Co Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and the role played by MnO as a promoter. A detailed characterization of Co/Mn/TiO2 catalysts using a combination of spectroscopy and microscopy have provided new insights into the active site composition and its relationships with the catalytic performances.