Hierarchically ZSM-5 zeolite was prepared by alkali treatment. It was used as a support for a series of Co-based catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with Fe, Ti, Ga or Zn as promoter. This series of catalysts were named Co/M-ZSM-5 (M = Fe, Ti, Ga or Zn). The catalysts were characterized by SEM, XRD, H-2-TPR, and XPS, and the FTS catalytic performance of catalysts were compared. The character date revealed that the promoter changed the dispersion, reducibility and stability of Co. The addition of Zn and Ga increased the activity of catalysts, decreased the selectivity to CH4. The Ti promoted catalyst had the highest initial activity, but it deactivated rapidly. The suitable interaction between Co and the Fe-ZSM-5 result in the suitable dispersion and reduction. Thus Fe is the better promoter for the catalyst Co/ZSM-5. [GRAPHICS] .