ABSTRACT

The use of a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process to produce long-chain hydrocarbons is well known in industry, and achieving the desired selectivity from the FT reaction is crucial for the process to make economic sense. It is, however, well known that a one-alpha model does not describe the product spectrum well. From either a chemicals or fuels perspective, hydrocarbon selectivity in the FT process needs to be thoroughly understood in order to manipulate process conditions and allow the optimization of the required product yield to maximize the plant profitability. There are many unanswered questions regarding the selectivity of the iron-based low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch (Fe-LTFT) synthesis.