Carbon deposits are often formed during the catalytic conversion of carbon-containing gases, such as the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis or the steam reforming of methane. In most cases, the aim is that such deposits should be kept to a minimum as they deactivate the catalysts and may block or even fracture the reactor. For many years research has been conducted to minimize or avoid such detrimental deposits, and to this end detailed mechanistic studies have been carried out on their nucleation and growth.

Y. Fernández and B. Fidalgo are grateful to CSIC of Spain and the European Social Fund (ESF) for financial support under thesis Grant I3P-BDP-2006.

4 pages, 2 figures, 1 table.-- Printed version published Jul 2007.

Peer reviewed