Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles encapsulated in TiO₂ nanotubes for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: The confinement effect of nanotubes on the catalytic performance

The catalysts with high activity and selectivity, especially the latter, play a key role in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology. Herein, a novel Fe-based confinement catalyst, Fe₂O₃ encapsulated in TiO₂ nanotubes, was prepared by a method of vacuum-assisted impregnation. The catalyst presented an excellent yield of oil phase hydrocarbons and C₅₊ selectivity due to the confinement effect. This interesting phenomenon was discussed from the view of the restrained molecular movement and enhanced readsorption of short-chain α-olefins in the confined space of TiO₂ nanotube channels. The results over this novel confinement catalyst revealed a promising research prospect on adjusting the product distribution to long-chain hydrocarbons for Fe-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.