Hydrothermal synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons up to C <sub>24</sub> with NaHCO <sub>3</sub> -assisted stabilizing cobalt
Daoping He, Xiaoguang Wang, Yang Yang, Runtian He, Heng Zhong, Ye Wang, Buxing Han, Fangming Jin
Abstract
Significance The mechanisms by which abiotic, long-chain hydrocarbons are produced in natural alkaline hydrothermal systems are unknown, as only short-chain hydrocarbons (<5 carbons) have been experimentally observed to date. Here, we demonstrate how the hydrothermal reduction of bicarbonate into long-chain hydrocarbons (≤24 carbons) occurs through the use of iron and cobalt metals. In contrast to the traditional Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, in which water is the driving force for catalyst deactivation, Co exhibits unique catalytic stability in hydrothermal conditions through bicarbonate-assisted CoO x reduction, thus promoting the carbon−carbon coupling process with the synergistic effect from the iron hydroxyl group. This finding helps to explain the abiogenic origin of petroleum, life’s emergence, and further contributes to artificial carbon dioxide utilization in the chemical industry.