Phase Controlled Synthesis of Pt Doped Co Nanoparticle Composites Using a Metal-Organic Framework for Fischer–Tropsch Catalysis

Abstract

Recently, metal nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon composite materials have been playing a significant role in a variety of fields as catalyst supports, sensors, absorbents, and in energy storage. Porous carbon composite materials can be prepared using various synthetic methods; recent efforts provide a facile way to prepare the composites from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by pyrolysis. However, it is usually difficult to control the phase of metal or metal oxides during the synthetic process. Among many types of MOF, recently, cobalt-based MOFs have attracted attention due to their unique catalytic and magnetic properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of a Pt doped cobalt based MOF, which is subsequently converted into cobalt nanoparticle-embedded porous carbon composites (Pt@Co/C) via pyrolysis. Interestingly, the phase of the cobalt metal nanoparticles (face centered cubic (FCC) or hexagonal closest packing (HCP)) can be controlled by tuning the synthetic conditions, including the temperature, duration time, and dosage of the reducing agent (NaBH4). The Pt doped Co/C was characterized using various techniques including PXRD (powder X-ray diffraction), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), gas sorption analysis, TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The composite was applied as a phase transfer catalyst (PTC). The Fischer-Tropsch catalytic activity of the Pt@Co/C (10:1:2.4) composite shows 35% CO conversion under a very low pressure of syngas (1 MPa). This is one of the best reported conversion rates at low pressure. The 35% CO conversion leads to the generation of various hydrocarbons (C1, C2–C4, C5, and waxes). This catalyst may also prove useful for energy and environmental applications.