Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the design of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts comprising a support and cobalt on the support. A first aspect is the modification of the silica support with at least 11 wt % titania to prevent the formation of cobalt silicates, thereby limiting the deactivation resulting from the silicate formation. A second aspect is the provision of C03O4 particles highly dispersed on the catalyst support with an average particle diameter of the cobalt oxide particle of less than 12 nm in order to improve catalytic activity and selectivity.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified catalyst support comprising: (a) treating a catalyst support material with an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising one or more zirconium metal sources, chromium metal sources, manganese metal sources and aluminium metal sources, and one or more polar organic compounds; and (b) drying the treated support, and (c) optionally calcining the treated support. Also provided are catalyst support materials obtainable by the methods, and catalysts prepared from such supports.