This study investigates the effect of sodium-based modifiers on the catalytic synthesis of high-molecular-weight liquid hydrocarbons from syngas (CO + H₂). Catalysts with the composition 20%Co–20%Fe–5%B–1.5%Zr–(0–2)%Na supported on Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ were synthesised using the incipient wetness impregnation method. Various sodium compounds (NaNO₃, NaCl, Na₂CO₃, and NaOH) were applied as modifiers. The catalysts were characterised using chromatographic, X-ray diffraction, and technological analysis methods to determine their phase composition, distribution of active sites, and reaction efficiency.

The study highlights the influence of support material nature and sodium loading on CO conversion, hydrocarbon productivity, and product selectivity. According to the analysis, Na modification significantly enhanced the activation of active centres and chain growth probability in Al₂O₃-based catalysts, while this effect was less pronounced for catalysts supported on SiO₂. Additionally, both the sodium source and the sequence of metal deposition on the carrier surface were found to play a critical role in determining overall catalyst performance and product distribution.

These findings confirm the potential of sodium-modified cobalt–iron–boron–zirconium catalysts in achieving high productivity and selectivity in Fischer–Tropsch-type hydrocarbon synthesis. The results provide practical insights for the design of advanced catalytic systems for efficient syngas conversion.

Syngas, high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, catalyst

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