Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis over Iron Manganese Catalysts: Effect of Preparation and Operating Conditions on Catalyst Performance

Iron manganese oxides are prepared using a coprecipitation procedure and studied for the conversion of synthesis gas to light olefins and hydrocarbons. In particular, the effect of a range of preparation variables such as Fe/Mn molar ratios of the precipitation solution, pH of precipitation, temperature of precipitation, and precipitate aging times was investigated in detail. The results are interpreted in terms of the structure of the active catalyst and it has been generally concluded that the calcined catalyst (at 650 ∘ C for 6 hours) containing 50%Fe/50%Mn‐on molar basis which is the most active catalyst for the conversion of synthesis gas to light olefins. The effects of different promoters and supports with loading of optimum support on the catalytic performance of catalysts are also studied. It was found that the catalyst containing 50%Fe/50%Mn/5 wt.%Al 2 O 3 is an optimum‐modified catalyst. The catalytic performance of optimal catalyst has been studied in operation conditions such as a range of reaction temperatures, H 2 /CO molar feed ratios and a range of total pressures. Characterization of both precursors and calcined catalysts is carried out by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET specific surface area and thermal analysis methods such as TGA and DSC.