Abstract: A method of activating an iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by introducing an inert gas into a reactor comprising a slurry of the catalyst at a first temperature, increasing the reactor temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature at a first ramp rate, wherein the second temperature is in the range of from about 150° C. to 250° C., introducing synthesis gas having a ratio of H2:CO to the reactor at a space velocity, and increasing the reactor temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature at a second ramp rate, wherein the third temperature is in the range of from about 270° C. to 300° C. The iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be a precipitated unsupported iron catalyst, production of which is also provided.

Abstract: A method of activating an iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by introducing an inert gas into a reactor comprising a slurry of the catalyst at a first temperature, increasing the reactor temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature at a first ramp rate, wherein the second temperature is in the range of from about 150° C. to 250° C., introducing synthesis gas having a ratio of H2:CO to the reactor at a space velocity, and increasing the reactor temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature at a second ramp rate, wherein the third temperature is in the range of from about 270° C. to 300° C. The iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be a precipitated unsupported iron catalyst, production of which is also provided.