Application of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) in the utilization of low H ₂/CO ratio (0.5–1.5) gas obtained from coal and biomass gasification can be done by selecting a catalyst system active for both FTS and WGS reaction. The enhancement of H ₂ content depends on the extent of water gas shift (WGS) reaction and can be quantified by measuring usage ratio define as a mole of H₂ to CO converted. With an attempt to utilize low H ₂/CO ratio syngas bimetallic (Fe/Co/SiO ₂) were prepared and compared with monometallic (Fe/SiO ₂ and Co/SiO ₂) catalysts. The catalysts were tested in fixed bed reactor at industrial relevant FTS conditions(T: 220−260 ◦C, P: 2.0 MPa, GHSV-1.2 SL/gcat-h, H ₂/CO: 1–1.5). The incorporation of Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst facilitates both FT and WGS reaction because of the presence of iron and cobalt phases. Compared to monometallic catalyst there is a significant increase in CO conversion over the bimetallic catalyst. Also, the yield of C ₅₊ was significantly higher over bimetallic catalyst compared to iron catalyst, where olefin was the major product. Selected catalyst (Fe/Co/SiO ₂) was tested for their activity toward WGS reaction. Effects of temperature, pressure, and feed composition on WGS reaction over bimetallic catalyst were studied. Lower value usage ratio (1.62 and 1.58) reveals the occurrence WGS reaction Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst at 240 ◦C and 260 ◦C. At 240 ◦C, 72% CO conversion, and 60% C ₅ ₊ selectivity show that the catalyst efficiently utilizes the increased H ₂/CO ratio in the production of liquid hydrocarbon.

Effect of reaction conditions were investigated for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis process over Fe/Cu/K./SiO₂ catalyst for maximization of a selective range of liquid hydrocarbon (C₅₋₂₀). Operating conditions of the reaction have a strong impact on the activity and selectivity of the process. The parametersthat influence the FT synthesis reaction and product distribution include the reactor temperature, pressure,space velocity, the H₂/CO molar ratio in the feed syngas and the catalyst. Experiments were performed at varying range of temperature, pressure, Space velocity and H₂/CO molar ratio. Variation inC₅₊ selectivity and (olefin/paraffin) O/P ratio were observed and analyzed to select the optimum values. Reaction conditions affect the H₂and CO surface coverage and re-adsorption of olefins which play a crucial role in altering overall product selectivity. Reaction rates for FT and water gas shift (WGS) reactions were compared at different conditions. At optimum conditions, CO conversion and C₅₊ selectivity were 45.9% and 77.4%, respectively.