In SituActive Site for Fe-Catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis:Recent Progress and Future Challenges

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) that converts syngas into long-chain hydrocarbons is a key technology in the chemical industry. As one of the bestcatalysts for FTS, the Fe-based composite develops rich solid phases (metal, oxides,and carbides) in the catalytic reaction, which triggered the quest for the true activesite in catalysis in the past century. Recent years have seen great advances in probingthe active-site structure using modern experimental and theoretical tools. ThisPerspective serves to highlight these latest achievements, focusing on the geometricalstructure and thermodynamic stability of Fe carbide bulk phases, the exposedsurfaces, and their relationship to FTS activity. The current reaction mechanisms onCO activation and carbon chain growth are also discussed, in the context oftheoretical models and experimental evidence. We also present the outlook regardingthe current challenges in Fe-based FTS.

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This article presents the latest advancements in the research of iron-based catalysts, focusing on the structure, stability, and relationship with FTS activity of iron carbides, as well as the reaction mechanism of CO activation and carbon chain growth. The challenges in Fe-based FTS are also discussed, with an outlook for future developments.