Silica Xerogel Supported Cobalt Metal Fischer−Tropsch Catalysts for Syngas to Diesel Range Fuel Conversion

Fischer−Tropsch synthesis of diesel range straight-chain hydrocarbons from CO and H 2 over a cobalt nanoparticle catalyst supported by a mesoporous silica xerogel is reported. A possible advantage of sol−gel-derived catalyst supports is the tunability of their porosity to favor synthesis of diesel range hydrocarbons. The preparation of the xerogel supports, optimal loading of the supports with cobalt, the percent conversion of syngas to Fischer−Tropsch hydrocarbons, a gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analysis of the diesel range product distribution, and characterization of the catalysts are reported.