Initial steps of the Fischer-Tropsch sysnthesis on Fe(100) : the role of hydrogen

In this thesis the role of hydrogen in the initial steps of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction on the model Fe(100) surface is explored. The Fischer-Tropsch reaction is an industrially applied catalytic process in which synthesis gas (H2 and CO produced from coal or natural gas) is converted to a wide range of long chain hydrocarbons. Although various microscopic mechanisms have been proposed, the fundamental role of hydrogen in the initialisation steps of these reaction mechanisms is still uncertain. This study aims to address a number of key questions with regard to the role of hydrogen in the initiation of this reaction. The addressed topics include various aspects regarding the adsorption of both H2 and CO gases, as well as considerations with regard to their respective dissociation reactions.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Centre for Catalysis Research

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Van Helden, Pieter

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Van Steen, Eric

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14761

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/14761