Direct Jet Fuel Synthesis Over Co/M-TUD-1 Catalysts by the Integration of Mesopore Confinement Effects and Acid Hydrocracking

Abstract

Amid growing global energy demands and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production via Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis has emerged as a pivotal solution. This study focuses on enhancing the selectivity of C₈–C₁₆ hydrocarbons for jet fuel through the integration of mesopore confinement effects and acid hydrocracking by developing novel Co/M-TUD-1 catalysts with a uniform, continuous three-dimensional mesoporous architecture. Utilizing sol–gel and melt infiltration methods for catalyst preparation and incorporating metals such as Al, Zr, La, and Ce, we explored how different supports influence FT synthesis outcomes. Characterization techniques, including N₂ physisorption, H₂-TPR, XRD, NH₃-TPD, and Py-FTIR, were employed to understand the physicochemical properties of these catalysts. Experimental results demonstrated significant improvements in jet fuel selectivity, achieving up to 51.3% selectivity and a productivity of 174.7 g/kg_cat/h with the Co/Al-TUD-1 catalyst. Further optimization through adjustment of reaction conditions confirmed the potential for industrial-scale SAF production, offering a cleaner, more sustainable approach to addressing fossil fuel shortages.