Nano-docking Stations for Synfuels Catalyst on Carbon Nanotubes

摘要

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), based on their large surface area and many available adsorption sites, represent a distinctive class of catalyst supports for enhanced chemical reactions including fuel synthesis [1-4]. Unfortunately, the mobility of surface-bound catalytic nanoparticles (NPs) on CNTs typically results in agglomeration leading to a subsequent decrease in effectiveness of the catalytic activity over time [5,6]. In contrast, confinement of metal NPs inside the CNT channel has been demonstrated recently to significantly enhance catalytic activity and stability over time during ethanol production despite restricted accessibility factors of the nanotube's main channel [7]. Production of synfuels via Fischer-Tropsch process relies on nano-sized transition metal catalysts, predominantly iron or cobalt and we present a CNT system which limits the surface mobility of iron catalyst particles on CNT surfaces during fuel synthesis. The catalytic NPs in nanosized channels or "docking stations" are oriented normal to the CNT surface resulting in superior catalyst stability.