Cobalt-based catalysts (M1–M2/support) were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method, with different pore size of support (3.3-11.6 nm), Co loading (10-30 wt%), noble metal loading (0.5-1 wt%) and support (SiO2, γ-Al2O3 and La2O3-γ-Αl2O3). The Co-based catalysts were characterized by TEM, PXRD, BET, H2-chemisorption, O2-titration, H2-TPR, TIR, TPD-H2, TPD-CO techniques. The catalysts were tested towards FTS reaction with H2O present in the synthesis gas feed stream. The effect of: (i) void structure, (ii) Co nanoparticle size, (iii) extent of reduction of Co precursors and (iv) experimental conditions (reaction temperature, total pressure of reactants and time on stream) were investigated. It was found that the pore size of support and the experimental conditions plays an important role on the effect of water on the FTS rates. SSITKA-MS, -DRIFTS and TIH/TPH experiments were used for the evaluation of surface concentration and chemical structure of active and inactive intermediate species. The main reason of catalyst deactivation was the accumulation of inactive -CxHy with time on stream (TOS) that may affect the binding strength of co-adsorb active intermediates or may occupy sites where active species can formed.
The MECHANISM project results were presented to society by participation in the European Researcher’s Night, thought a video, an article in local magazines, a website (
http://www.mechanism.ucy.ac.cy(si apre in una nuova finestra)) and a lecture to undergraduate students (Marie Curie Ambassador). In addition, the results were presented to the scientific community thought six (6) scientific publications in peer-reviewed international scientific journals of high impact factor, one (1) presentation in international conference and five (5) presentations in the department.
