Asymmetric Co–Ru Heterostructure Catalyst for Surface-Plasmon-Enhanced Photothermocatalytic CO Hydrogenation to Fuels

Photothermal Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) aims to convert carbon monoxide (CO) into value-added long-chain hydrocarbons (C 5+ ) under milder conditions, but the efficient C–C coupling of C 1 intermediates remains challenging. Herein, a carbon-supported plasmonic CoRu 5 @C catalyst has been successfully constructed for promoting C–C coupling. Experimental results demonstrate that under ambient pressure and photothermal conditions at 250 °C, CoRu 5 @C exhibits a C 5+ selectivity of 98.9% and FTS activity of 321.4 mmol g cat –1 h –1 . Structural characterizations and finite element method simulations indicate that Ru-induced lattice strain in the Co–Ru heterogeneous catalyst boosts energetic charge carrier migration, promoting CO adsorption and activation. A series of in situ experiments reveal that electron-rich Co sites in the Co–Ru heterogeneous catalyst diminish C 1 intermediate repulsion, boosting C–C coupling efficiency in the FTS process. This research not only provides an innovative approach to overcoming the challenges in CO hydrogenation selectivity and the synthesis of high-value fuels but also offers significant contributions to the development of sustainable energy technologies.