Green catalyst innovation: Enhanced Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using potassium-promoted cobalt catalysts supported on pyrolyzed peanut shells and Cladophora Glomerata modified biochars

• Published in: Fuel processing technology 2024-07, Vol.258, p.108094, Article 108094
• Main Authors: Bayat, Fatemeh, Pirbazari, S.M., Shojaei, Nastaran, Kiani, Shiva, Tavasoli, Ahmad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fischer–Tropsch to Olefin; Green catalyst; Modified biochars; Potassium promotion; Pre-treated biomass; Pyrolysis
• ISSN: 0378-3820; 1873-7188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2024.108094

This paper explores pyrolysis potential for effective modified biochar (MB) production, serving as a green and novel carbon-based catalyst support in Fischer-Tropsch to olefins synthesis. For this purpose, the MB produced from the pyrolysis of pre-treated Peanut shell (PS) and Cladophora glomerata algae (CG) was used as a high porosity support for cobalt catalyst synthesis. The impregnation technique was applied to prepare the cobalt catalysts, and the catalysts were promoted with potassium. Various methods examine catalysts physico-chemical properties. After 10  h of reduction at 400 °C, the catalysts' activity and selectivity were studied in a fixed-bed reactor. TEM images show that the metal particles are suitably distributed on the porous surface of the modified biochars. The majority of the particles were between 5 and 15 nm in size. Also, TPR results indicate a suitable metal dispersion of about 10% and good catalyst reducibility have been achieved. The cobalt catalysts produced on MBs of CG and PS exhibited FT rates of 0.245 and 0.223 (g HC/g cat.h), with CO conversion rates of 50.25% and 45.68% in each case. Finally, K-promoted cobalt catalysts supported on MBs of CG and PS showed the α-olefins selectivities of 38.67% and 35.49% for C2-C13 hydrocarbons, respectively. •Utilization of biomass-derived biochars contributes to sustainable catalyst development.•Promising pyrolyzed peanut shells and algal biochars as catalyst supports for high-performance olefin synthesis.•biochar supports offer novel and eco-friendly alternative to conventional metal oxide supports.•Potassium-promoted cobalt catalysts on modified biochar supports exhibit enhanced selectivity towards α-olefins.