| Abstract | This research evaluates Cu as a low-cost promoter for a Co-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalyst. Co selectively produces alkenes and long hydrocarbon chains, while Cu’s affinity for H₂ adsorption ensures Co remains in its metallic state. Moreover, Cu promotes Co to synthesize longer hydrocarbon chains, specifically in the C₈–C₁₆ range. The synergistic relationship between Cu and Co reduces the formation of undesirable products active at low and medium temperatures (<300 °C). We synthesized seven catalysts with varying Cu NPs loadings from 0 to 0.15 g g⁻¹ of Cousing the ultrasonic impregnation method, controlling the size of the catalyst in the nanorange (<20 nm). Among them, Co15–Cu0.15 is the best-performing catalyst with a CO conversion of 66% and selectivity for C₅₊ paraffin of 29% while having the lowest selectivity for CH₄ at 16%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed uniformly dispersed CoCu NPs on the Al₂O₃ support before the reaction. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) were also used to characterize the catalysts. Furthermore, we developed a kinetic model to evaluate the influence of Cu loading on the product distribution. Co15–Cu0.15 was determined to yield the most C₅₊ hydrocarbons and decrease the yield of C₃₊, complementing our experimental results. |
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