Influence of precursor porosity on sodium and sulfur promoted iron/carbon Fischer–Tropsch catalysts derived from metal–organic frameworks

Abstract

Iron-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with varying porosity are converted by pyrolysis into iron/carbon catalysts with predetermined composition and tailored pore structural features for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis of lower C₂–C₄ olefins. Significantly higher activity arises for catalysts with higher porosity and decreased iron particle size derived from hierarchical MOF xerogel/aerogel precursors as compared to a purely microporous MOF. Post-synthetic functionalization using sodium and sulfur promoters further enhances the catalytic properties.