Studies on cobalt-based Fischer–Tropsch catalyst and characterization using SEM and XPS techniques Original Research Article

This paper reports the results of an experimental study involving Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis on modified Co/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. The objectives are to increase the selectivity of C5+ liquid hydrocarbons (HC) and to decrease the formation of gaseous hydrocarbons during the reaction. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The XPS results indicated the formation of a new surface species of cobalt complex on the surface of the catalyst.