Promotion of Cobalt Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts with Noble Metals: a Review

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a major part of XTL (X-To-Liquids, with X = Gas, Biomass or Coal) technologies, which converts syngas into clean hydrocarbon fuels. Cobalt catalysts supported by inorganic oxides appear to be a reasonable compromise for the synthesis of long-chain paraffins and waxes. The efficiency of Fischer-Tropsch technology strongly depends on the performance of cobalt catalysts. Promotion of cobalt catalysts with noble metals results in a significant increase in Fischer-Tropsch catalytic activity. This paper reviews different effects on the structure and catalytic performance of cobalt supported Fischer-Tropsch catalysts which arise from the promotion with noble metals. Both catalytic performance and catalyst cost seem to be major criteria in the design of efficient cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts.