Sensitivity analysis and selectivity optimization of Fischer-Tropsch reaction over a Fe-Co bimetallic nanocatalyst

In this paper, the effects of operating conditions on CO hydrogenation reactions were explored by statistical-based selectivity models in the presence of a gamma-Al2O3 supported Fe-Co bimetallic nanocatalyst. The temperature, pressure, and feed ratio varied in 1 to 7 bar, 573 to 663 K, 0.5 to 2, respectively; while the GHSV was 3000 h(-1) in a fixed bed micro-reactor. Response surface methodology indicated that optimum conditions for the production of maximum olefins and minimum CH4, paraffin, and carbon dioxide involved T = 579 K, H-2/CO = 1, and P = 1 bar. The increase in H-2/CO, pressure, and temperature reduced olefin selectivity and raised the selectivity of paraffin, CH4, and carbon dioxide. SEM and BET techniques were used to characterize the catalyst.