Research progresses in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process

The recent developments in the research of catalysts, mass transfer and heat transfer for low- and high-temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis were reviewed. Three processes, namely fixed bed, fluidized bed and slurry bed, used in the synthesis were compared based on the catalysts, heat transfer, mass transfer, product distribution and reaction conditions. Some novel Fischer-Tropsch synthesis processes, namely microstructured reactor, monolith reactor and supercritical fluid were introduced. The reactor structure, catalyst design and micro reactor will be hot points for the research of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in future.