Recent development of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis catalyst

In recent years, FT oil is receiving much attention as ultra-clean motor fuel. A review covers needs for FT oil, reaction mechanism of FT synthesis, ASF distribution, and conventional catalysts for FT synthesis. Then, recent development of FT catalysts is introduced with respect to the promoting effect of Ir(Rh) on Fe(Co) catalyst, formation and role of surface carbide, and important effect of pore size of MCM41 and SBA15 on mass transfer of the products. Finally, the recent extension to the direct synthesis of iso-paraffin, the reaction in supercritical phase, and CO2 transformation to motor fuel are introduced.