Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of Co/Fe catalysts supported on γ-Al₂O₃ and SBA-15 for catalytic performance in the Fischer–Tropsch reaction fed with a syngas and CO₂ mixture

The Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis is a crucial process for converting syngas into synthetic hydrocarbons, using sources such as coal, natural gas, and biomass. This study evaluates the activity of Co and Fe-based catalysts supported on SBA-15 and γ-Al₂O₃, employing an innovative CO/CO₂ generation system. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas adsorption (BET), X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In catalytic performance, Co catalysts exhibited significantly higher (65–99%) and more stable CO conversion than Fe catalysts, generating a liquid product. FT-IR spectroscopy of the liquid products indicated the formation of hydrocarbons with C–H and C=C bonds. CO₂ conversion was high and stable in all catalysts. These findings provide an exciting outlook for optimizing catalysts in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and an alternative for CO and CO₂ generation and their application in more sustainable processes.