Integrated Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and heterogeneous hydroformylation technologies toward high-value commodities from syngas

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) and hydroformylation are pivotal chemical processes for converting syngas and olefins into valuable hydrocarbons and chemicals. Recent advancements in catalyst design, reaction mechanisms, and process optimization have significantly improved the efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability of these processes. This Account introduces the relevant research activities in the Research Center for Catalysis in Syngas Conversion and Fine Chemicals (DNL0805) of Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences. The reactions of interests include FTS, heterogeneous hydroformylation of olefins, alcohol dehydration and oxidation, and α-olefin polymerization, with the emphasis on developing innovative catalysts and processes to address the challenges of traditional processes. Exemplified by the discovery of robust Co-Co₂C/AC for FTS and Rh₁/POPs-PPh₃ for heterogeneous hydroformylation of olefins, it demonstrates how lab-scale fundamental understandings on the active sites of catalysts leads to pilot-plant scale-up and finally commercial technologies. Perspectives on the challenges and directions for future developments in these exciting fields are provided.