Faculty Mentor
Dr. Rafael Quirino
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics
Abstract
Currently, the global energy grid and economy is highly dependent on crude oil, coal, and other non-renewable "fossil fuels". This dependence poses a variety of problems. The consumption of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and environmental pollution, and access to these fuels is often mired in geopolitical conflict. These roadblocks have driven a growing interest in researching the production of renewable fuels. One such production method is the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process for renewable synthesis of diesel from syngas. This review explores the FT process in detail, describing the mechanism, selectivity factors, product composition, and byproducts. The various choices of equipment, catalysts, conditions, and raw starting materials are also explored from practical, economic, and environmental perspectives. Ultimately, the FT process yields diesel without the nitrogenous or aromatic pollutants present in its petroleum-derived counterpart. This result has promising applications in offsetting fossil fuel consumption moving forward, particularly in contexts where high-quality fuel is necessary, such as in aviation.
Program Description
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DOI
10.20429/GS4.2026.028
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:15 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 2:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Beach, Mayanne W., "The Fischer-Tropsch Process for Diesel Synthesis: A Literature Review" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 234.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/234
The Fischer-Tropsch Process for Diesel Synthesis: A Literature Review
Russell Union Ballroom
Currently, the global energy grid and economy is highly dependent on crude oil, coal, and other non-renewable "fossil fuels". This dependence poses a variety of problems. The consumption of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and environmental pollution, and access to these fuels is often mired in geopolitical conflict. These roadblocks have driven a growing interest in researching the production of renewable fuels. One such production method is the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process for renewable synthesis of diesel from syngas. This review explores the FT process in detail, describing the mechanism, selectivity factors, product composition, and byproducts. The various choices of equipment, catalysts, conditions, and raw starting materials are also explored from practical, economic, and environmental perspectives. Ultimately, the FT process yields diesel without the nitrogenous or aromatic pollutants present in its petroleum-derived counterpart. This result has promising applications in offsetting fossil fuel consumption moving forward, particularly in contexts where high-quality fuel is necessary, such as in aviation.
