Magnetic Catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

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. Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis is the most economically viable method of converting coal into transportation fuels. Although the FT process is run on a commercial scale in both South Africa and Malaysia, several challenges face the production of liquid fuels from coal: (1) the attrition resistance of the catalyst; (2) difficulties in separating the hydrocarbon wax products from the catalyst; and (3) an inability to carry out the water-gas-shift conversion and FT synthesis in the same unit. This project will develop a unique catalytic material to address these three technical challenges. Phase I will involve the preparation of an attrition-resistant, mechanically strong catalyst that could catalyze both reactions. Performance evaluations will be conducted, and the performance of the best catalyst will be determined in a long-duration test under representative conditions. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The few candidate resources to produce liquid fuels include biomass, oil sands, oil shale and coal. Of these, coal is the most promising resource with over 250 billion tons of known domestic reserves. An improved FT synthesis plant could enhance the conversion of coal into transportation fuels..