A method for forming a cobalt-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalyst involves precipitating a cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species by turbulent mixing, during which a basic solution collides with an acidic solution comprising cobalt. The method further involves depositing the cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species onto a support material to provide a catalyst comprising cobalt and the support material. The support material comprises one or more of alumina, silica, magnesia, titania, zirconia, ceria-zirconia, and magnesium aluminate.