High Loading Fe-supported Fischer–Tropsch Catalysts: Optimization of the Catalyst Performance

The iron loading of catalysts, supported on SiO 2 , was investigated between 10 and 75 wt%, with and without the addition of promoters (K and Cu), in order to highlight the different catalytic performances of the samples in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. An optimization study of the prepared catalysts (active metal/promoters ratio, catalysts’ activation procedure before the Fischer–Tropsch runs, influence of the feeding gas composition) is reported. The mechanical resistance of the catalysts was also evaluated using a suitable method involving ultrasound.