Visualizing Phase Evolution of Co₂C for Efficient Fischer-Tropsch to Olefins

Cobalt carbide (Co₂C) possesses high catalytic efficiency Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), while the products selectivity appears sensitive to crystallography geometry. Since the Anderson-Schulz-Flory (ASF) distribution in FTS is broken through fabricating facetted Co₂C nanocrystals, yet the underlying mechanism of Co₂C crystallization remains unclarified suffering from sophisticated catalyst composition involving promoter agents. Herein, the synthesis of high-purity single-crystal nanoprisms (Co₂C-p) for highly efficient FTS is reported to lower olefins. Through comprehensive microstructure analysis, e.g., high-resolution TEM, in situ TEM and electron diffraction, as well as finite element simulation of gas flow field, for the first time the full roadmap of forming catalytic active cobalt carbides is disclosed, starting from reduction of Co₃O₄ precursor to CoO intermediate, then carburization into Co₂C-s and subsequent ripening growth into Co₂C-p. This gas-induced engineering of crystal phase provides a new synthesis strategy, with many new possibilities for precise design of metal-based catalyst for diverse catalytic applications.