Microwave modification of iron supported on beta silicon carbide catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

This research article investigated the microwave modification of iron supported on beta silicon carbide catalysts (Fe/β-SiC) for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The surface area of the Fe/β-SiC catalyst was not affected by a 15 second (s) exposure to microwave irradiation (MIR) but a slight increase was observed for a 20 s, 25 s, and 30 s MIR exposure. The elemental mapping and XPS results showed a decrease in the silicon (Si) percentage on the Fe/β-SiC catalyst's surface when exposed to MIR. This would be beneficial for the FTS since there will be fewer iron silicate species that are considered inactive for Fe FTS catalysts. Because of the weak Fe and β-SiC interaction, a decrease in the reduction temperature peaks of the Fe/β-SiC catalysts which were exposed to MIR was observed without the use of chemical promoters. As a result, we observed a positive effect of MIR on the CO conversion after 20 s and 25 s exposure times. Meanwhile, the 30 second exposure to MIR was detrimental to the Fe/β-SiC catalyst. Despite the increase in the CO conversion, we also observed an increase in CH4 selectivity with increasing MIR time.