Recent advances in cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a promising technology for converting renewable energy sources to synthetic liquid fuels, olefins or oxygenates. As one of the metal-based FTS catalysts with excellent intrinsic activity, supported Co-based catalysts have attracted much attention. Their properties depend on their geometric morphology, surface composition and metal-support interaction (MSI). This paper reviews the latest research progress of the supported Co-based catalysts for FTS, including recently-developed functional modification strategies to adjust the cobalt phase, crystallite size, metal dispersion, site density and metal-support interaction to optimize the performance of cobalt-based catalysts. The effects of important materials (including cobalt precursors, supports and promoters) on catalytic performance are discussed and compared. A summary is provided of the modifications made to catalysts with a unique and controllable structure, in order to improve the catalytic activity and focus the product distribution on targeted wax, gasoline, diesel, olefins and oxygenate products. Guidance is provided regarding controlling the structure and functions of Co-based catalysts. Opportunities and perspectives on future research into modification strategies used for Co-based FTS catalyst are also noted.