Open AccessHydrothermal synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons up to C 24 with NaHCO 3 -assisted stabilizing cobalt
Author(s) -
Daoping He,
Xiaoguang Wang,
Yang Yang,
Runtian He,
Heng Zhong,
Ye Wang,
Buxing Han,
Fangming Jin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2115059118
Subject(s) - hydrothermal circulation , cobalt , hydrocarbon , catalysis , chemistry , hydrothermal synthesis , adsorption , bicarbonate , abiogenic petroleum origin , inorganic chemistry , transition metal , fischer–tropsch process , chemical engineering , metal , organic chemistry , selectivity , methane , engineering
Significance The mechanisms by which abiotic, long-chain hydrocarbons are produced in natural alkaline hydrothermal systems are unknown, as only short-chain hydrocarbons (<5 carbons) have been experimentally observed to date. Here, we demonstrate how the hydrothermal reduction of bicarbonate into long-chain hydrocarbons (≤24 carbons) occurs through the use of iron and cobalt metals. In contrast to the traditional Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, in which water is the driving force for catalyst deactivation, Co exhibits unique catalytic stability in hydrothermal conditions through bicarbonate-assisted CoOx reduction, thus promoting the carbon−carbon coupling process with the synergistic effect from the iron hydroxyl group. This finding helps to explain the abiogenic origin of petroleum, life’s emergence, and further contributes to artificial carbon dioxide utilization in the chemical industry.