Toward Three-Dimensional Nanoengineering of Heterogeneous Catalysts

J. Am. Chem. Soc., 130 (17), 5716–5719, 2008. 10.1021/ja710299h
Web Release Date: April 5, 2008

Toward Three-Dimensional Nanoengineering of Heterogeneous Catalysts

Ilke Arslan,^§^†^* John C. Walmsley,^‡ Erling Rytter,^⊥ Edvard Bergene,^‡ and Paul A. Midgley^†

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ U.K., SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Trondheim, N-7465 Norway, and StatoilHydro R&D Research Centre, Postuttak, N-7005 Trondheim, Norway

iarslan@sandia.gov

Received November 20, 2007

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Abstract:

Cobalt-based Fischer–Tropsch systems are widely used to convert synthesis gas to clean hydrocarbon fuel. However, surprisingly little is known about the morphology of the catalysts on the nanoscale. Here we show that scanning transmission electron tomography reveals their true 3-D morphology and provides direct evidence that the support controls the final morphology of the catalyst. Such direct local three-dimensional measurements provide unprecedented insight into catalysis, and can henceforth transform our understanding of these complex materials.

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