Structural characteristics of supported cobalt–cerium oxide catalysts used in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Cobalt cerium oxide catalysts were prepared using co-precipitation procedure and used for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The effect of a range of preparation variables on the composition, structure and morphology of cobalt cerium oxide catalysts before and after CO hydrogenation has been investigated. Characterization of different precursors and calcined catalysts was carried out using XRD, SEM, TPR, BET surface area measurements and thermal analysis methods such as TGA and DSC. It was found that all different preparation variables influenced the structure and morphology of the catalyst precursors and calcined catalysts.