High Selectivity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel with Low CO2 Emissions Using SBA-16-Supported Iron Catalysts in Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis

Abstract

This study investigates innovative SBA-16-supported iron (Fe) catalysts for the selective production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Iron loadings of 10, 20, and 30 wt % were evaluated, with potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) as promoters in the CO hydrogenation reaction. The catalyst with 20 wt % Fe exhibited reduced metal–support interaction and prevented pore blockage, enhancing catalytic performance. Notably, the addition of 1 wt % Mn to the 20Fe/SBA-16 catalyst significantly increased selectivity for sustainable aviation fuel (C₈–C₁₈ hydrocarbons) from 45% to 55%, while reducing CO₂ formation from 8% to 4% and CH₄ production from 11% to 8%. This improvement was attributed to the enhanced formation of Hägg carbide, a highly active site for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. In contrast, 1 wt % K promotion intensified the water–gas shift reaction, increasing CO₂ formation from 8% to 14%. The optimized 1Mn-20Fe/SBA-16 catalyst demonstrated outstanding performance for SAF production with lower carbonaceous byproducts (e.g., CO₂ and CH₄). These findings underscore the potential of SBA-16-supported catalysts in advancing sustainable biofuel technologies.