Loss of selectivity in Fischer-Tropsch catalysis

Loss of selectivity in Fischer-Tropsch catalysis: towards an identification of mechanisms
The PhD project aims at identifying the phenomena leading to the loss of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst selectivity towards heavy product formation. In order to reach this goal, simulation of the different deactivation phenomena is needed, in order to be able to study each of them separately. For that purpose, deactivation treatments have to be developed. Three deactivation modes were selected and simulated : carburation, coke formation or re-oxydation. These protocols will then be applied on an HTE unit, used for Fischer-Tropsch catalyst performance evaluation. The experimental data obtained will constitute a kinetic database, enabling to evaluate and model the influence of each deactivation phenomenon on the selectivity.