Effects of Co3C Formation on the Catalytic Performance for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis over Co/SiO2 Catalysts

Cobalt carbides demonstrate higher selectivity towards light olefins and alcohols in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). In this study, we present an investigation of a series of supported cobalt catalysts that were carburized with CO for different time. The presence of Co3C-Co, Co and Co2C-Co phases in these catalysts was confirmed through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The Co/SiO2-RC-0.5 h catalyst with both Co3C and Co structure exhibits the highest CO conversion for the FTS reaction. By utilizing the chemisorption techniques, we studied the structure -performance relationships between the phase and activity, and confirmed that Co3C has the highest intrinsic activity, which is beneficial for CO activation. This study provides further insight into the positive effects of Co3C on the FTS reaction and guides us in the rational design of high active Co -based FTS catalysts.