Conversão catalítica de gás de síntese a hidrocarbonetos líquidos: uma análise crítica da última década

Abstract

The depletion of petroleum resources and the growing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have driven research toward alternative and sustainable routes for fuel production. In this context, the catalytic conversion of synthesis gas—a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen—has emerged as a promising technology for the generation of middle-distillate hydrocarbons, particularly gasoline (C5–C11), sustainable aviation fuels (SAF, C8–C16), and diesel (C11–C20). The Fischer–Tropsch (FT) reaction, the most widely employed route, still presents limitations in terms of selectivity, catalyst stability, and product distribution, which is governed by the Anderson–Schulz–Flory model and favors the formation of light fractions (C1–C4), thereby requiring downstream refining steps. The main catalysts used are iron, which is low-cost and operates over a wide range of conditions, and cobalt, which is more expensive but exhibits higher selectivity toward long-chain hydrocarbons. Recent advances have focused on nano-structured, promoted, and supported catalysts, as well as hybrid systems, aiming to enhance C5+ selectivity and reduce the formation of undesired by-products. Articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected and analyzed using keywords related to CO hydrogenation and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in order to systematize the most relevant experimental results of the past decade. This critical review aims to highlight the progress and challenges associated with the production of liquid hydrocarbons from the catalytic conversion of synthesis gas, particularly with respect to the limitations of the ASF model, catalyst properties, and the development of new technologies to improve FT selectivity and conversion.