Removal of carbon deposits on χ-Fe5C2 Fischer–Tropsch catalysts

Journal article (2025)

Authors

Shiyue Li Eindhoven University of Technology
Robert Pestman Eindhoven University of Technology
A.I. Dugulan RID/TS/Instrumenten groep, RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy
Zhuowu Men National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy, Shenhua NICE, Future Science and Technology City, Changping District, Beijing 102211, People's Republic of China
Peng Wang Eindhoven University of Technology, National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy, Shenhua NICE, Future Science and Technology City, Changping District, Beijing 102211, People's Republic of China
Emiel J M Hensen Eindhoven University of Technology
Research Group
RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy
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Published Date

2025

Language

English

Research Group

RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy

Abstract

The removal of carbon deposits from carburized Fe-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts is a critical aspect of their performance. In this study, a method is presented to remove carbon deposits from freshly prepared χ-Fe5C2. The method involves successive passivation and reduction steps, which do not affect the bulk structure of the χ-Fe5C2 catalyst. The passivation step transforms the carbonaceous deposits from a graphitic structure to a disordered oxygen-functionalized structure, facilitating its removal by a reduction step in hydrogen. This results in a higher initial activity of the catalyst and substantially shortens the induction period observed without such pretreatment. The findings underscore the possibility of improving catalytic performance of Fe-carbides by changing the structure and reactivity of carbonaceous deposits.