Novel Catalysts to Maximize Gasoline Yields

A viable alternative to crude oil is needed to moderate the effect of oil price hikes and provide an interim bridge until some other fuel source can commercially supplant petroleum-based fuels. The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process, used in the production of liquid fuels from coal, is run on a commercial scale in both South Africa and Malaysia. However, the process faces a number of problems, including attrition resistance of the catalyst and downstream hydrocarbon separation. A highly selective catalyst is needed to produce the desired range of hydrocarbon products. This project will develop a unique catalytic material to address three technical challenges: FT activity, catalyst selectivity, and better heat management. Phase I will prepare a novel catalyst that could optimize the gasoline and/or diesel range of paraffins. Various formulations will be optimized to identify their catalytic activity and selectivity. The performance of the best catalyst will be demonstrated in a long-duration test under representative conditions. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: FT synthesis is the most economically viable method of converting coal into transportation fuels. An active FT synthesis catalyst that is highly selective for diesel and/or gasoline range products should find immediate use in the emerging coal-to-liquids market.