Requirements for the separation properties of a membrane in the in situ separation of water during CO2 Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

In this communication, the innovative approach of using membranes in the direct one-step synthesis of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbons using CO 2 and H 2 as reactants is investigated. To this end, a combination of catalyst testing and advanced process simulation and modeling was performed. Our study aimed to elucidate the benefit of in situ water separation along the catalyst bed. The separation effect was modeled using a water-selective membrane and is based on various key performance catalytic parameters. The degree of water separation plays a decisive role in the conversion of CO 2 and the retention of H 2 has a significant influence on the olefin selectivity of the FT process. This allows us to specify the required features, i.e., water permeation and hydrogen retention of membranes suitable for process intensification. • Prediction of reactor behavior under influence of membrane separation. • Based on simplified reaction kinetics. • Calculations revealed the minimum requirements for a membrane suitable for CO 2 -FT. • Application of the approach for membrane reactors in general.