Synthesis of Co-based bimetallic nanocrystals with one-dimensional structure for selective control on syngas...

Co-based bimetallic nanocrystals with one-dimensional (1D) branches were synthesized by the heterogeneous nucleation of Co atoms onto prenucleated seeds, such as Pd or Cu, through a facile wet-chemical route. The peripheral branches (rod-like) of the Co-Pd and Co-Cu nanocrystals were outspread along the (001) direction and were enclosed by (101) facets. By switching the prenucleated metals to form robust Co-Pd or Co-Cu bimetallic nanocatalysts, the selectivity of CO hydrogenation could be adjusted purposely towards heavy paraffins, light olefins or oxygenates. The Anderson-Schulz-Flory chain-lengthening probabilities for products were up to 0.9 over Co-Pd nanocrystals, showing that long-chain hydrocarbons can be formed with high selectivity using the targeted design of Co-Pd nanocrystal catalysts. These Co-based bimetallic nanocrystals with a 1D structure exhibited superior catalytic activities over the corresponding Co-based nanoparticles for synthesis gas conversion.