Suppression of methane formation during Fisher-Tropsch synthesis using manganese-cobalt oxide supported on H-5A zeolite as a catalyst

In Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, methane formation is one of the side reactions which must be suppressed in order to get better catalytic selectivity for light olefins. In the present study, we have modified cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and developed a process to minimize methane production, consequently to produce maximum yield of light olefins. Manganese-cobalt oxide supported on H-5A zeolite catalyst was synthesized using modified H-5A zeolite, to increase its surface acid sites. Increased acidity of zeolite plays a major part in the suppression of methane formation during the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The modified zeolite results in the electronic modification of catalyst surface by creating new active catalytic sites. The results are compared with other supported catalysts along with unmodified zeolite. Appreciable reduction in methane formation is achieved on modified zeolite supported catalyst in comparison with unsupported catalyst.