| abstract |
A novel Fischer Tropsch iron catalyst that has unusually high selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons (low selectivity for methane) is provided. The catalyst is prepared by treatment of the usual inactive catalyst precursor with water vapor at elevated temperature either after conventional activation by syngas or concurrently therewith. Surprisingly, the "selectivation" with water vapor does not affect catalytic activity. The novel "selectivated" catalyst may be used to advantage either to increase temperature and throughput, or to increase liquid hydrocarbon selectivity, compared with conventional catalyst that has not been "selectivated". |