Effect of carbonization process on the strength and structure of Fe-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst

In order to gain an insight into the relationship between pretreatment condition and catalyst attrition resistance, an iron-based model catalyst for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis was carburized at 300℃ for different times and extensively characterized by multiple techniques; the effect of carburization and carbon deposition on the catalyst attrition resistance was then investigated.The results indicated that at the initial stage of pretreatment, the carbide content increases with the increase of carburization time, whereas the BET surface area and particle size are decreased, leading to an increase in the catalyst attrition resistance.With further increasing the carburization time above 72 h, the carbide content keeps almost constant, whereas the carbon deposition content, particle size and catalyst weight are increased, accompanying with a decrease in the attrition resistance.