Effects of the functionalization of the ordered mesoporous carbon support surface on iron catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis of lower olefins

Ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) with different surface modifications is applied as support for iron-based catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch to olefins synthesis with and without sodium and sulfur promoters. Different concentrations of functional groups do not affect the size (3-5 nm) of iron particles in the fresh catalysts but iron(carbide) supported on nitrogen-enriched CMK-3 and a support with lower concentration of functional groups show higher catalytic activity under industrially relevant FTO conditions (340°C, 10 bar, H2/CO = 2) as compared to a support with oxygen-enriched surface. The addition of promoters leads to more noticeable enhancements of the catalytic activity (3-5 times higher) and the selectivity to C2-C4 olefins (~2 times higher) than surface functionalization of the support. Nitrogen surface functionalization and removal of surface groups before impregnation and calcination, however, further increase the activity of the catalysts in the presence of promoters. Confinement of the iron nanoparticles in the mesopores of CMK-3 restrict but not fully prevent particle growth and consequent decrease of activity under FTO conditions.