SBA‐16‐Supported Cobalt Catalyst with High Activity and Stability for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis

Abstract SBA‐16 molecular sieves were used as support to prepare cobalt catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The catalysts were characterized by using TEM, power XRD, temperature‐programmed reduction, and N 2 adsorption–desorption. The analyses indicate that most of the Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles were introduced into the SBA‐16 cages, and the SBA‐16 mesostructure was retained after cobalt impregnation. The Co/SBA‐16 catalyst exhibited higher cobalt dispersion compared to the Co/SiO 2 catalyst. The catalytic properties of the catalysts in FTS were evaluated in a fixed‐bed reactor. The effect of the addition of water was measured in a continuously stirred tank reactor. High FTS activity and stability were observed on the SBA‐16‐supported catalyst. The SBA‐16‐supported cobalt catalyst shows low mobility of cobalt particles in the SBA‐16 cages. Unlike silica, the SBA‐16 support can efficiently prevent the aggregation and sintering of cobalt nanoparticles.