Maximizing the Interface of Dual Active Sites to Enhance Higher Oxygenate Synthesis from Syngas with High Activity

Selective synthesis of higher oxygenates from syngas provides a promising route for the conversion of nonpetroleum carbon resources into valuable chemicals. However, it remains a grand challenge to design highly efficient and stable dual-sites structures to promote the production of higher oxygenates. Herein, we reported an effective method to maximize the interface of dual active sites via designing the structure of alloy carbide derived from the FeCo layered double hydroxide precursor. Cobalt atoms were well-distributed and doped into Fe2C to form (FexCoy)2C alloy carbide. The atomic-scale contact Fe-Co interfacial sites could achieve a >35% oxygenate selectivity at a CO conversion of >80% during 200 h of running, and a high space-time yield of 183.9 mg/gcat./h for oxygenates with 95.6% being the C2+OH fraction was obtained. The kinetic study confirmed that the apparent activation energy of (FexCoy)2C alloy carbide was lower than that of separated Fe2C-Co2C dual sites. This work provides a strategy for the design of an effective catalyst for selective synthesis of higher oxygenates from syngas by tuning the interface of dual active sites at an atomic level.

Automated summary

By designing alloy carbide structures to maximize the interface of dual active sites, a highly efficient catalyst for the selective synthesis of higher oxygenates from syngas has been developed. The catalyst showed excellent stability and achieved high selectivity and yield of oxygenates.