The aim of this work was to produce two iron-based catalysts supported on polymeric mesoporous carbon (PMC) support, analyze them and evaluate their use in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). Two PMC supports differing only in synthesis steps were evaluated. The Fe-PMC catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation method and were characterized, before activation, by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N-2 adsorption-desorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Mossbauer spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was carried out to evaluate the activity of the catalysts. The synthesis was carried out in a slurry reactor operating at 513-543 K, 20-30 atm, and 1:1 CO:H-2 molar ratio. X-ray diffraction showed that the calcined iron catalyst did not modify the structure of PMC and that Fe was present in the form of iron carbides, alpha-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. The addition of iron in the supports lowered the specific surface area of the support. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis activity and C5+ hydrocarbon selectivity increased as oxygen groups were incorporated into the support. The Fe-PMC catalysts displayed moderate conversion (40%) and high selectivity towards the production of C5+ (72%, w/w). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.