Feasibility analysis of Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis tail gas as a fuel for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Summary The tail gas of Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) contains unconverted syngas and gaseous hydrocarbons. It is usually treated at a high‐cost and low‐efficiency method, whereas it is a feasible fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Herein, we evaluated the carbon deposition temperature of the FTS tail gas obtained at various reactor pressures. Thermodynamic calculation showed that the FTS tail gas could be used in SOFCs without the risk of carbon deposition. By adding 5% water, the initial non‐carbon deposition temperature was dropped from 830°C (without water co‐feeding) to 720°C. Under reforming, the syngas (H2/CO) ratio is about 2 when it reaches equilibrium states, which can be recycled back into the FTS process. Theoretically, a current of 6.5‐7.1 A per 100 mL FTS tail gas could be generated by the SOFC. This study demonstrates that it is promising to use the FTS tail gas as a carbon‐containing fuel for SOFCs. Highlights A new concept of the utilization of FTS tail gas as a fuel in a SOFC is developed. FTS tail gas can convert to syngas with H2/CO = 2 that can be recycled back into FTS. Co‐feeding water into FTS tail gas reduces the non‐carbon deposition temperature. Theoretical current densities proved the FTS tail gas is a promising fuel for SOFCs.

A review on sustainable iron oxide nanoparticles: syntheses and applications in organic catalysis and environmental remediation

“…The transformation of syngas into value-added linear hydrocarbons, popularly referred to as Fisher-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), is considered an important chemical transformation in heterogeneous catalysis. [236][237][238] However, creating FTS catalyst for the production of an array of compounds with greater performance and selectivity still remains a formidable task for chemists, the use of iron-based catalyst can potentially offer a viable solution because such inexpensive, earth-abundant materials have displayed good performance and have capacity to produce various hydrocarbon compounds such as diesel, wax, gasoline to C 2 -C 4 olefins or paraffins. [239][240][241][242][243] The graphene oxide incorporated monodispersed iron oxide NPs were employed as a catalysts for FTS.…”

Evaluation of the Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis product selectivity over iron‐based silica‐supported catalyst under mild temperatures

“…FTS tail gas can be partly recycled back to the CO hydrogenation reactor to increase the productivity of the process, or it can be combusted with air to supply the energy requirements for the process and to produce steam. 20,21 The aqueous phase, often referred as wastewater, contains considerable amounts of water-soluble compounds and requests purification, which requires additional resources. 22 Nowadays, sustainable development based on circular economy concept is being promoted as a solution to reduce fossil fuel consumption.…”

“…Since most of the effluent gases are greenhouse gases, they require environmentally friendly post‐treatment. FTS tail gas can be partly recycled back to the CO hydrogenation reactor to increase the productivity of the process, or it can be combusted with air to supply the energy requirements for the process and to produce steam 20,21 . The aqueous phase, often referred as wastewater, contains considerable amounts of water‐soluble compounds and requests purification, which requires additional resources 22 …”