Catalytic Technologies for CO Hydrogenation for the Production of Light Hydrocarbons and Middle Distillates

Abstract

In South Korea, where there are no resources such as natural gas or crude oil, research on alternative fuels has been actively conducted since the 1990s. The research on synthetic oil is subdivided into Coal to Liquid (CTL), Gas to Liquid (GTL), Biomass to Liquid (BTL), etc., and was developed with the focus on catalysts, their preparation, reactor types, and operation technologies according to the product to be obtained. In Fischer–Tropsch synthesis for synthetic oil from syngas, stability, CO conversion rate, and product selectivity of catalysts depends on the design of their components, such as their active material, promoter, and support. Most of the developed catalysts were Fe- and Co-based catalysts and were developed in spherical and cylindrical shapes according to the reactor type. Recently, hybrid catalysts in combination with cracking catalysts were developed to control the distribution of the product. In this review, we survey recent studies related to the design of catalysts for production of light hydrocarbons and middle distillates, including hybrid catalysts, encapsulated core–shell catalysts, catalysts with active materials with well-organized sizes and shapes, and catalysts with shape- and size-controlled supports. Finally, we introduce recent research and development (R&D) trends in the production of light hydrocarbons and middle distillates and in the catalytic processes being applied to the development of catalysts in Korea.

Hydrogenation of CO2 on Fe-Based Catalysts: Preferred Route to Renewable Liquid Fuels

“…While the conversion of methanol has focused mostly on conversion to light olefins, syngas is converted by Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to hydrocarbons and oxygenates. FTS has been investigated extensively and applied commercially for over a century − in the production of a variety of fuels and chemicals. The main catalysts for FTS are based on cobalt or iron.…”

Techno-economic Analysis of Biogas Conversion to Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels through Production of Lean-Hydrogen Syngas

“…Syngas is converted via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to higher hydrocarbons and oxygenates, as shown in expression . FTS has been investigated extensively and applied commercially for over a century in the production of a variety of fuels and chemicals. − Catalysts for FTS are based on cobalt or iron. Fe-based catalysts are less expensive and display a significant water gas shift (WGS) activity, converting CO to H 2 and CO 2.…”

“…Fe-based catalysts are less expensive and display a significant water gas shift (WGS) activity, converting CO to H 2 and CO 2. Therefore, they are more suitable for low H 2 /CO ratio syngas. − A wide range of promoters are used to enhance the activity, selectivity and stability of catalysts. The product composition of the process (reaction ) depends on catalyst composition and operating conditions.…”

“…The product composition of the process (reaction ) depends on catalyst composition and operating conditions. The carbon distribution depends on the chain-growth probability factor α defined by the Anderson–Schulz–Flory (ASF) polymerization model. − Methanation (reaction ) is detrimental to the selectivity of desired products, while Boudouard reaction leads to catalyst deactivation.where Techno-economic analyses for the production of liquid fuels from biogas through steam reforming or tri-reforming to reach H 2 /CO of >1.7 yielding drop-in fuels by FTS have been published. , Conversion of biogas to methanol or DME has been considered. − However, conversion of biogas to low H 2 /CO (<1) syngas through dry reforming to produce blending stock for transportation fuels by CO hydrogenation process has not been published.…”

The Effects of Different Nickel–Ruthenium on SiO2 Catalyst Synthesis Methods toward Catalytic Activity of Methane Dry Reforming

“…An effective approach to overcome these problems is to utilize the greenhouse gases via the decomposition of CH4, involving CO2 to produce synthetic gas (syngas). The syngas can be converted into alternative fuels, i.e., dimethyl ether (DME), methanol, and hydrogen [3]. The decomposition of CH4 utilizing CO2 is also called dry reforming (DMR).…”