Thermally stable metal-organic framework based iron 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic catalyst (Fe-NDC) for syngas conversion to olefin.

Olefins are the backbone of the petrochemical conversion industries, like polymers, plastic, lubricating oil, surfactants, and synthetic fuels. It is a wide but challenging process to customize. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly regarded for their potential in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), yet they often have inadequate thermal stability. This study demonstrated the remarkable potential of the Fe-NDC MOF. It maintains its initial structure until it reaches a temperature of 500 °C (Fe@C-500), which is efficient for syngas conversion to olefin. The Fe@C-500 catalyst exceeded a twofold increase in the ratio of olefin to paraffin compared to Fe@C-600 (2 vs. 0.8). The maintained structure of Fe@C-500 enhances the transport of reactants and restricts the hydrogenation of olefins. The Fe@C-500 catalyst showed ~ 50% and 27% selectivity to total olefin and light olefin, respectively, with a Fe-time yield (FTY) for light olefins of 180 mmol g h. In contrast, Fe@C-600 exhibits a shift in product selectivity towards paraffin (~ 70%) at a lower FTY for light olefins of 130 mmol g h. The performance of the Fe@C-500 catalyst is particularly intriguing and warrants further investigation. Retaining the porous structure of MOF-derived catalysts might greatly enhance olefin production.