The document discusses Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which produces liquid fuels and chemicals from synthesis gas. Synthesis gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen that can be derived from natural gas, coal, or biomass. The process was invented in the 1920s by German inventors Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch. In the process, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the syngas react to form hydrocarbons of various molecular weights, with water as a byproduct. The liquid fuels produced can be used for vehicles, power generation, cooking, and as raw materials for various industries.
4. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a set of chemical reaction that can be
used to produce fuels and chemicals from synthesis gas.
synthesis gas is a mixture of CO and H2, which can be derived
from natural gas, coal, or biomass.
CH4 + H2O 3H2 + CO
C + H2O H2 + CO
5. Invention
The process was invented by German inventors Franz Fischer and
Hans Tropsch in the 1920s.
Prof. Franz Fischer Dr. Hans Tropsch
6. Reaction of the Process
In the process, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) in the
syngas are converted into hydrocarbons of various molecular
weights according to the following reaction.
(2n+1) H2 + n CO Cn H(2n+2) + n H2O
There are other side reactions taking place in the process, among
which the water-gas-shift reaction is important.
CO + H2O H2 + CO2