Fischer-Tropsch Performance of an SiO ₂ -Supported Co-Based Catalyst Prepared by Hydrogen Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Plasma

A silica-supported cobalt catalyst was prepared by hydrogen dielectric-barrier dis- charge (H ₂ -DBD) plasma. Compared to thermal hydrogen reduction, H ₂ -DBD plasma treatment can not only fully decompose the cobalt precursor but also partially reduce the cobalt oxides at lower temperature and with less time. The effect of the discharge atmosphere on the property of the plasma-prepared catalyst and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis activity was studied. The re- sults indicate that H ₂ -DBD plasma treatment is a promising alternative for preparing Co/SiO ₂ catalysts from the viewpoint of energy savings and efficiency.