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The effect of noble metal (NM) promoter (Pt, Re, or Ru) deposition order was investigated for commercially-representative Co Fischer–Tropsch catalysts (nominally 25 wt% Co on a La stabilized alumina support). The effects of deposition sequence (co-deposition vs. sequential deposition) were studied in terms of NM retention and distribution, Co crystallite size, Co reducibility, and catalyst activity and selectivity. Ru retention was <48% for both sequences with the most severe losses for co-deposition (85% loss). Sequentially deposited Co/Ru showed poor Ru distribution, unlike co-deposited Co/Ru. Excellent retention and uniform distribution were observed for both Pt and Re promoted catalysts. Cobalt crystallite sizes were smaller for all three co-deposited catalysts (∼4.2 nm for all NMs) when compared to any of the sequentially deposited catalysts. Although sequentially deposited catalysts required higher …