Opening Direct Electrochemical Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Path by Interfacial Engineering of Cu Electrode with P-Block Elements.

The electrochemical synthesis of syngas (CO and H) has garnered considerable attention in the context of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis employing thermal catalysts. Nonetheless, the need for a novel, cost-effective technique persists. In this investigation, we introduce a direct electrochemical (dEC) approach for FT synthesis that functions under ambient conditions by utilizing a p-block element (Sn and In) overlaid Cu electrode. Surface CO and H species were obtained in an electrolytic medium through the CO + H + e → HOOC → CO (or direct CO adsorption) and H + e → H reactions, respectively. We have observed C long-chain hydrocarbons with a CH/CH ratio of 1-3, and this observation can be explained through the process of C-C coupling chain growth of the conventional FT synthesis, based on the linearity of the Anderson-Schulz-Flory equation plots. Thick Sn and In overlayers resulted in the dominant production of formate, while CO and CH production were found to be proportional and inversely correlated to H, CH, and C hydrocarbon production. The EC CO/CO reduction used in dEC FT synthesis offers valuable insights into the mechanism of C production and holds promise as an eco-friendly approach to producing long-chain hydrocarbons for energy and environmental purposes.