Highly dispersed Co nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix as a robust and efficient Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst under harsh conditions

Preventing the deactivation behavior of Co-based catalysts is a significant challenge during the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis reaction. In this study, a series of catalysts with Co nanoparticles embedded in a matrix of porous carbon are directly synthesized via a unique melting approach. It is demonstrated in this work that the loading of Co is highly controllable, and ranges from 20.6–44.0 wt% in the as-prepared samples. The catalyst shows a higher selectivity towards heavy hydrocarbons and a lower selectivity towards methane when compared to the MOF-derived Co@C catalyst tested at a similar CO level. Notably, no obvious deactivation of the catalysts is observed at a high operating temperature of 260 °C, with high CO conversion levels recorded. The special carbon rich environment of the catalyst could inhibit the oxidization and agglomeration of the active phase to prevent deactivation.