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Hollow carbon sphere (HCS) nanoreactors were used as a catalyst support for Co, with Pt as a promoter. The hollow morphology of the HCSs nanoreactor was exploited to study the influence of the Pt promoter nanoparticle location relative to that of the Co3O4 (Co 10 wt%) nanoparticles (dCo = 3.5 – 12.5). Furthermore, the effect of Pt on the reduction behaviour and activity of the Co FTS catalyst was evaluated. The synthesis and use of Pt nanoparticles supported on/in Co@HCS FT catalysts to give CoPt@HCS and Pt/(Co@HCS) catalysts are reported. Electron microscopy, ex situ PXRD, BET, and TPR studies revealed that the prepared catalysts were successfully synthesized with well dispersed Co nanoparticles. It was observed that the proximity between the Co and Pt influenced the Co hcp/fcc ratios. A secondary hydrogen spillover effect was invoked to account for the reduction of Co3O4 on 1Pt/(10Co@HCS) at 335 °C. The complete reduction of Co3O4 to Co metal on 10Co1Pt@HCS at 350 °C was attributed to a primary hydrogen spillover effect. Following catalyst activation at 350 °C, the primary spillover process resulted in a catalyst exhibiting higher Fischer–Tropsch activity (approximately 2×) compared to both the unpromoted catalyst and catalysts where Pt and Co were separated by the HCS. This enhanced activity was partially attributed to the Co phases formed on the carbon support during reduction and the degree of catalyst reduction, which depended on the type of hydrogen spillover process. A comparison of the reduction ability of Os, Ru and Pt on the reduction of Co supported on/in HCSs and the impact of the promoter on Co hcp/fcc ratios is reported.
Molefe et al. (Mon,) studied this question.