Syngas chemistry: Rational design of tandem reaction pathway for directional hydrocarbon synthesis

Abstract

Syngas to hydrocarbons, especially olefins and aromatics, is an important platform technology linking raw carbon resources to terminal materials. This perspective summarizes the differences between Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the coupling tandem pathway and identifies respective merits and defects. The Fischer-Tropsch pathway is a traditional conversion technology with metals or metal oxides as the catalytic active components that is suitable for synthesizing mixed hydrocarbon products. The coupling tandem pathway is a continuous process centered around the generation, migration, and transformation of intermediates. Matching the optimal reaction temperature for both intermediate generation and transformation is a prerequisite for the highly selective synthesis of hydrocarbons with specific carbon numbers. Designing a migration process with a shorter distance, less resistance, and a smoother path is an effective strategy to improve overall syngas conversion efficiency in tandem reactions, which is also crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of the coupling pathway.