Directly Converting Syngas to Linear α-Olefins over Core–Shell Fe 3 O 4 @MnO 2 Catalysts

Converting syngas to value-added chemicals via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis has attracted much attention, whereas the direct hydrogenation of CO to heavy olefins, especially linear α-olefins (LAOs), remains a challenge. In this study, we designed a core–shell Fe 3 O 4 @MnO 2 catalyst to realize the direct conversion of syngas to LAOs with high efficiency. This catalyst exhibited a high selectivity of 79.60% for total alkenes and 64.95% for C 4 + alkenes, 91% of which are LAOs, at a CO conversion of approximately 75%. Promotion of the electron transfer from MnO 2 to Fe 3 O 4 inside the core–shell Fe 3 O 4 @MnO 2 catalyst facilitated the dissociative adsorption of CO molecules on Fe 3 O 4 and the spillover of H atoms onto the MnO 2, which enhanced C–C coupling, weakened the hydrogenation activity of the catalyst, and improved the production of LAOs. A superior stability over 100 h was observed, demonstrating the promising potential of this catalyst for industrial applications.