Direct conversion of syngas into hydrocarbons over a core–shell Cr-Zn@SiO2@SAPO-34 catalyst

Direct conversion of syngas into hydrocarbons with high selectivity remains a challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of a core–shell-structured catalyst constituting Cr-Zn oxide as the core and SAPO-34 as the shell for the conversion of syngas into hydrocarbons with high selectivity. A SiO2 layer was sandwiched between the core and the shell to prevent damage to the core during shell synthesis. Furthermore, the intermediate SiO2 layer acted as a Si source for the formation of the shell. The prepared catalyst displayed considerably higher selectivity toward the production of C2–C4 hydrocarbons (66.9%) than that of methanol and methane. The findings show the potential of the prepared core–shell-structured catalyst in the one-step production of hydrocarbons, such as liquefied petroleum gas, from syngas. However, further optimization of the catalyst is necessary to achieve higher performance.

Graphical AbstractAn alternative route to the Fischer-Tropsch process for the one-step conversion of syngas into hydrocarbons is proposed using core–shell Cr-Zn@SiO2@SAPO-34 catalyst that enabled selective formation of C2–C4 hydrocarbons.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide