A range of cobalt catalysts supported on alumina, titania, bentonite and the newer silicon carbide was examined for catalytic activity and product selectivity in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Experiments were carried out on a bench scale fixed bed reactor. TPR results showed that Co/TiO(2) and Co/bentonite were easier to reduce than Co/Al(2)O(3) and Co/SiC based catalyst. Particle size depended on nature of support and specific area. Catalyst Co/SiC provided good catalytic results at temperatures higher than 235 degrees C whereas Co/bentonite showed high catalytic activity at low temperatures. However, Co/bentonite was found to enhance the formation of oxygenated compounds. Hydrocarbon distribution was influenced by the support. Co/Al(2)O(3) shifted to lighter hydrocarbon than Co/TiO(2) and Co/bentonite. Co/SiC yielded to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons products distribution as compared with Co/alumina catalyst. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.