The influence of hydrophobicity on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts

Abstract We review scientific works carried out on the influence of surface hydrophobicity on activity and product selectivity of supported cobalt and iron catalysts during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The characteristics of the surface of catalyst support may influence metal-support interactions, which leads to various degrees of metal dispersion and reducibility. Also, these support surface properties may influence the mass transfer of reactants and products at the catalyst active sites and subsequently affects the performance of the catalyst during FTS. Pre-silylated and post-silylated catalysts have been used to study the influence of surface hydrophobicity on the performance of FTS catalysts. The enhancement of FTS activity by hydrophobicity was mainly ascribed to the improved reducibility of metal oxide species. Furthermore, post-silylated supported iron catalysts favoured the suppression of water-gas shift (WGS) reaction, thereby hindering CO 2 formation.