Abstract The core-shell structured CoZr/AC@ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared with hydrothermal synthesis, and then they were characterized by scanning electron microscope，X-ray Diffraction，Brunauer Emmett Teller and NH3-temperature programmed desorption methods. The catalyst performance was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. Compared to CoZr/AC catalyst without surrounding ZSM-5 membrane, the micro-pore structure of ZSM-5 zeolite membrane slows down the internal diffusion of syngas. Therefore, the selectivity of light hydrocarbon increases, and the selectivity of heavy hydrocarbons and alcohols decreases. The mechanism analysis indicates that the micro-pore structure of zeolite membrane facilitates the hydrogenation reactions, while it suppresses the carbon chain growth and CO insertion reactions. In addition, ZSM-5 zeolite membrane has certain hydrocracking ability.
