Novel Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for Low Carbon Dioxide Emission Synthetic Fuels

The United States currently depends on fossil fuels from foreign sources. Unfortunately, the cost of fossil fuels from these sources has and will steadily increase, jeopardizing the U.S. economy. The use of fossil fuels also causes pollution and global warming. Consequently, the production of synthetic fuels derived from abundant and low cost resources ¿ coal and biomass ¿ must be part of a transition to energy independence. Previous work has led to the development of new catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS), a synthetic fuel production process that results in premium products with low aromaticity, zero sulfur, and high energy content. This project will further develop these FTS materials, which show high synthesis gas (syngas) conversion with significant Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) activity. This RWGS activity will enable the high conversion of a variety of feed stocks (coal, biomass, etc.) to synthetic crude, which can be used as a diesel-fuel blending stock while reducing CO2 emissions.Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Blending synthetic fuels with diesel would help contain the costs of operation for businesses such as busing, trucking, marine shipping, farming, and mining. Also, diesel engines are used around the world in cars, compressors, generators, and numerous other applications. In addition, the FTS catalysts would reduce CO2 emissions.