Cai, Yi, Wang, Maolin, Zhao, Shu, Liu, Xi, Xie, Junzhong, Liu, Xing-Wu, Xu, Yao, Zhang, Jie, Zeng, Lingzhen, Qian, Fei, Gao, Zirui, Cen, Zeyan, Liu, Xingchen, Wang, Hong, Xu, Bingjun, Hutchings, Graham J.  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8885-1560, Yang, Yong, Li, Yong-Wang, Wen, Xiao-Dong and Ma, Ding
2025.
Trace-level halogen blocks CO2 emission in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for olefins production.
Science
390
(6772)
, pp. 516-520.
10.1126/science.aea1655
|
Abstract
Sustainable production of fuels and olefins from syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) through the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process requires catalysts that deliver high selectivity, industrial productivity, and minimal carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. Current industrial iron catalysts form substantial CO 2 by-product that limits carbon efficiency. We report that introducing trace amounts [parts per million (ppm) level] of halogen-containing compounds into the feed gas can suppress CO 2 formation using iron-based catalysts and boost olefin selectivity over paraffin and olefin productivity. Cofeeding 20 ppm bromomethane over an iron carbide catalyst decreased CO 2 selectivity to <1% and increased olefin selectivity to ~85% among all carbon-containing products. Surface-bound halogens modulated the catalyst surface structure and selectively inhibited pathways responsible for CO 2 generation and olefin hydrogenation. This strategy provides a simple, scalable, and broadly applicable route for carbon-efficient syngas conversion.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Chemistry |
| Publisher: | American Association for the Advancement of Science |
| ISSN: | 0036-8075 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 8 September 2025 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Nov 2025 11:15 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/182321 |
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