Fisher–Tropsch Synthesis for Conversion of Methane into Liquid Hydrocarbons through Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) Process: A Review

Abstract

The interest in Gas-to-Liquid technology (GTL) is growing worldwide because it involves a two-step indirect conversion of natural gas to higher hydrocarbons ranging from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to paraffin wax. GTL makes it possible to obtain clean diesel, naphtha, lubes, olefins, and other industrially important organics from natural gas. This article is a brief review discussing the state-of-the-art of GTL, including the basics of syngas manufacturing as a source for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), hydrocarbons synthesis (Fischer-Tropsch process), and product upgrading. Each one is analyzed, and the main characteristics of traditional and catalysts technologies are presented. For syngas generation, steam methane reforming, partial oxidation, two-step reforming, and autothermal reforming of methane are discussed. For Fischer–Tropsch, we highlight the role of catalysis and selectivity to high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Also, new reactors technologies, such as microreactors, are presented. The GTL technology still faces several challenges; the biggest is obtaining the right H2:CO ratio when using a low steam-to-carbon ratio. Despite the great understanding of the carbon formation mechanism, little has been made in developing newer catalysts. Since 60–70% of a GTL plant cost is for syngas production, it needs more attention, particularly for developing the catalytic partial oxidation process (CPO), given that modern CPO processes using a ceramic membrane reactor reduce the plant’s capital cost. Improving the membrane’s mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability can commercialize the process. Catalytic challenges accompanying the FTS need attention to enhance the selectivity to produce high-octane gasoline, lower the production cost, develop new reactor systems, and enhance the selectivity to produce high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Catalytically, more attention should be given to the generation of a convenient catalyst layer and the coating process for a given configuration.

Advanced Nickel-Based Catalytic Materials on Hydroxyapatite: Effect of the Metal Particle Size on Tri-reforming of Methane

“…Regarding NH 3 -TPD profiles, a large desorption peak between 90 and 460−510 °C for all the catalytic materials was observed similarly to the pristine support, suggesting the presence of acid sites with different strengths (see Figure S13b in the Supporting Information), taking into account the acid− base properties of apatite materials due to the presence of functional groups such as Ca 2+ , PO 4 3− , HPO 4…”

“…3 However, since the downstream uses of syngas usually requires much lower temperatures (e.g. Fischer− Tropsch synthesis operating at 220−350 °C, 4 methanol synthesis at temperatures ranging from 90−350 °C, 5 or water−gas shift reaction at 200−450 °C), 6 the syngas generated from SMR units should be cooled down, requiring heat exchangers, which usually engender considerable heat loss. As recently reported, among the different alternative solutions to SMR, tri-reforming of methane (TRM) appears as the best option for syngas production from methane (eq 1).…”

Differential Analysis of Gas Generation between Gas to Liquid and Mineral Oil under Electric-Thermal Combined Fault

“…A heterostructure transformer oil based on natural gas oil production technology (i.e., GTL) appeared in 2013 [17] . GTL is produced from hydrocarbons extracted from natural gas and is based on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology, making it a potential alternative to traditional mineral oil [18] . Due to the abundance of natural gas reserves, the widespread application of the new GTL is expected to solve the future shortage of high-quality transformer oil supply.…”

Multi‐Pathways for Sustainable Fuel Production from Biomass Using Zirconium‐Based Catalysts: A Comprehensive Review

“…Another study demonstrated that a zirconium-based catalyst improved the conversion of syngas to liquid fuels in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. [114][115][116][117] The aforementioned studies highlighted the potential of zirconium-based catalysts in gasifying biomass to produce high-quality biofuels. Nonetheless, more research is necessary to refine these techniques and establish sustainable, and cost-effective processes for converting energy from biomass via gasification.…”