Modelling Laboratory Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Using Cobalt Catalysts

The main goal of this paper is to critically review current microkinetics available for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) modelling, in order to propose the best way to follow this set of complex reactions; therefore a microkinetic model was developed for FTS, accomplishing surface chemistry, heterogeneous kinetics, and single-event previous development for Co-based catalysts. Model starts simulating CO activation on catalyst surface, and then formation of methane, ethane and subsequent chain growth. Reaction rates were derived following the formalism of Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW); surface steps were proposed in consequence of feasibility. Chain growth was modelled by single-event steps, taking into account geometrical conformation explicitly. Number of growth steps of 1-olefins was rectified as requiring one more active site than mechanisms proposed previously; it was found that formation of these olefins exhibits a fast drop in chain growth; this phenomenon is explained in terms of probable geometrical conformations that lead to the number of single events. Experimental results in literature about isothermal synthesis of hydrocarbons in the gasoline range were simulated in a fixed-bed laboratory reactor; thermodynamic consistency was derived from chemical equilibrium over all reactions occurring during FTS. Equilibrium constants were evaluated as function of Gibbs free energy, and partial pressures of reactants and products.