The Fischer-Tropsch Process

Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) diesel is produced by converting synthesis gas (syngas)—a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal, or biomass—into liquid diesel.

In 1923, Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch first studied conversion of coal-derived syngas into useful compounds (diesel is one of many chemicals and fuels that can be derived from syngas), using what was to become known as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Key to the process are catalysts: substances that facilitate a chemical reaction but are not consumed by the reaction. A schematic of the overall process can be shown in three steps, with each step taking place in the presence of a specific catalyst:

1. Syngas formation
   Old Hydrocarbon + Oxygen → Syngas

2. Fischer-Tropsch Reaction
   Syngas → New Hydrocarbon + Water

3. Refining
   New Hydrocarbon → Fuels, Chemicals, etc.

The benefit of the process lies in converting a relatively inflexible energy source (such as coal or biomass, "Old Hydrocarbon" in equation 1) into a variety of products that meet specific needs. Because petroleum-based transportation fuels are in high demand worldwide, F-T diesel is a valuable product.

For more information on Fischer-Tropsch fuels, see the Gas to Liquids, Coal to Liquids, and Biomass to Liquids pages.