Ultra Small Synthetic Ferrihydrite Based Catalysts with Promoter Metals for Fisher Tropsch Synthesis of Alternative Fuels

University of Utah Technology Commercialization Office
posted on 03/31/2011

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Ferrihydrite Based Catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis of Alternative Fuels

Invention Summary

This technology describes the synthesis of ferrihydrite, iron based catalyst, for the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis. The reported synthesis represents a novel route to produce ferrihydrite catalysts, which are nanoparticles with ultra small dimensions and a very high surface area compared to naturally occurring ferrihydrite. Interestingly, a ferrihydrite catalyst that was prepared for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was found to contain other metals normally not present in naturally occurring ferrihydrites. The ferrihydrite catalyst modified with F-T promoter metals has been shown to be a highly active F-T catalyst.

Features, Benefits & Advantages

* The straightforward method of synthesis, ultra small particle size and high surface area leads to excellent catalytic activity

* Ferrihydrite based catalyst was shown to be highly useful in the generation of alternative liquid fuels from syn gas obtained from a source, such as coal or biomass

* The highly active synthetic ferrihydrite catalyst will find broad application in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Market Application

The production and development of synthetic fuels has been long viewed as an alternative solution to limit the use of fossil fuels and support growing energy need. Recently, the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis has been generating renewed attention as an efficient method to transform syngas (a mixture of CO and H2) generated from various sources such as coal, biomass, and natural gas to useful components and products, for example, gasoline, diesel fuel, waxes and other valuable chemicals. Utilization of iron catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has proven to be efficient due its reasonable price and activity, and is especially beneficial with syngas generated from coal gasification. 

Intellectual Property & Development Status

Patent application US 20110201702 has been published for this technology

Inventors

Edward Eyring, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Richard Ernst, Professor, Department of Chemistry at the University Of Utah

Development Stage

This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program that has been demonstrated to work in proof-of-concept experiments. It is available for developmental research support and licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Related Research & Publications

Dr. Eyring's web page: http://www.chem.utah.edu/directory/faculty/eyring.html

Dr. Ernst's web page: http://www.chem.utah.edu/directory/faculty/ernst.html

Keywords: Ferrihydrite, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, alternative fuels.