FeCx@C catalysts prepared from Prussian blue and their applications in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

The activity and selectivity of the Fe-based catalysts with different FeCx species had been long debated in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS). In this manuscript, FeCx was encapsulated in carbon matrix by Prussian blue (Fe4(Fe(CN)(6))(3), PB) thermal treated, and the FeCx@C catalysts could be directly prepared. With the calcination temperature increasing, the FeCx species of core and the thickness of carbon shell in FeCx@C catalysts can be continuously tuned through adjusting the calcination temperature. Further characterization results suggested that the decarburization of FeCx@C catalyst occurred from the inside to the outside. In addition, the FTS results showed the value of carbon-chain growth probability (alpha value) presented the positive relationship with the catalyst calcination temperature. This work provides a novel and simple route to synthesize FeCx@C catalyst, and also provides evidence for the mechanism of FeCx species from the perspective of decarburization.