Estudo de catalisadores de cobalto suportados em nióbia mesoporosa aplicados na síntese Fischer-Tropsch

Abstract

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a promising process for converting synthesis gas into high- value fuels and chemicals, typically catalyzed by metals such as iron and cobalt supported on high-surface-area materials. This thesis proposes the use of mesoporous niobia as an alternative support for cobalt catalysts applied in FTS, focusing on the preparation of supports with high surface area and good porosity through the hydrothermal method. The catalytic performance of different cobalt loadings (10, 15, 20, and 30 wt%) supported on Nb2O5-m was evaluated, as well as the effects of the catalyst synthesis method on their activity and selectivity. The results showed that high-surface-area niobia promotes good dispersion of the active phase and high selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons (C5–C19), presenting performance comparable to commercial catalysts, even without the use of noble metal promoters. These findings highlight the feasibility of mesoporous niobia as a catalytic support for hydrocarbon conversion applications, and this research contributes to the advancement of catalytic technologies aligned with global demands for emission reduction and energy transition.