Capturing the Genesis of an Active Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Catalyst with Operando X‐ray Nanospectroscopy. (17th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Ravenhorst, Ilse K.; Vogt, Charlotte; Oosterbeek, Heiko; Bossers, Koen W.; Moya‐Cancino, José G.; van Bavel, Alexander P.; van der Eerden, Ad M. J.; Vine, David; de Groot, Frank M. F.; Meirer, Florian; Weckhuysen, Bert M.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie. Volume 130:Number 37(2018)
• Page Start: 12133
• Page End: 12138
• Publication Date: 2018-08-17
• Subjects: Chemische Bildgebung -- Fischer-Tropsch-Synthese -- Heterogene Katalyse -- Nanopartikel -- Röntgenmikrospektroskopie; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/ange.201806354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0044-8249

Abstract

Abstract: A state‐of‐the‐art operando spectroscopic technique is applied to Co/TiO2 catalysts, which account for nearly half of the world's transportation fuels produced by Fischer–Tropsch catalysis. This allows determination of, at a spatial resolution of approximately 50 nm, the interdependence of formed hydrocarbon species in the inorganic catalyst. Observed trends show intra‐ and interparticular heterogeneities previously believed not to occur in particles under 200 μm. These heterogeneities are strongly dependent on changes in H2 /CO ratio, but also on changes thereby induced on the Co and Ti valence states. We have captured the genesis of an active FTS particle over its propagation to steady‐state operation, in which microgradients lead to the gradual saturation of the Co/TiO2 catalyst surface with long chain hydrocarbons (i.e., organic film formation).