Comprehensive understanding of iron-catalyzed Fischer–Tropsch synthesis product distribution with extensive reliable data

Abstract

Although the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) has been known for nearly a century, the precise product distribution curve remains debated. By integrating GC analysis, low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM), and QPlus atomic force microscopy (QPlus-AFM) with reliable data from lab to industrial scales, this study explored high-precision separation and calculation of spectrum peaks in the low-carbon-number region, complemented the curve pattern in the high-carbon-number region and identified the maximum carbon number of the corresponding curve, examined the possible variations in the distribution curves under different reaction conditions, and finally provided a more comprehensive perspective on FTS product distribution in response to the growing demand for mechanistic model development and specialty product optimization.