Abstract: In order to decrease cost of Fischer-Tropsch cobalt catalyst and improve its stability and lifetime,the inactivation and regeneration mechanism of Fischer-Tropsch cobalt catalyst was analyzed. Based on the regeneration mechanism,the regeneration methods of Fischer-Tropsch cobalt catalyst were introduced. The results indicated that poison,sinter,carbon deposition,oxidation and solid reaction were the main causes for catalyst inactivation. The stability and lifetime of Fischer-Tropsch cobalt catalyst could be improved by purifying feed gas,regulating reaction between cobalt and support,improving catalyst formulation and process,controlling cobalt particle size and partial pressure ratio between H2 O and H2. The catalyst could be regenerated by de-wax,oxidation and reduction,oxidation was the critical step.The heating rate and heat removal should be controlled during oxidation process. Multi-oxidation and reduction could improve the uniformity of cobalt and reduction agents,and improved the activity of catalyst.