Cascade Catalysis for the Selective Synthesis of Multi‐Branched Alkanes From Syngas

ABSTRACT Co‐based composite catalysts with assorted zeolite have been extensively utilized to improve gasoline octane numbers by isomerization enhancement in Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis products. Nevertheless, their catalytic potential remains constrained due to insufficient secondary isomerization activity. Herein, we propose a three‐stage catalyst system, denoted as (Co/SiO 2 + 0.5Pt/SiO 2 ) + ZSM‐5 + Beta, designed to synergistically promote multi‐branched alkane formation. Elaborate experimental results confirm the formation of straight‐chain hydrocarbons on Co/SiO 2 , while the 0.5Pt/SiO 2 component elevates intermediate olefin concentrations from 11.0% to 12.5%. The subsequent zeolite cascade enables precision isomerization: ZSM‐5 (10‐membered ring channels) preferentially generates mono‐branched alkanes, whereas Beta zeolite (12‐membered ring channels) drives secondary branching through advanced isomerization. This catalyst configuration achieves a significant increase in multi‐branched alkane selectivity within isomerized products. The demonstrated cascade mechanism establishes a framework for direct syngas‐to‐branched hydrocarbon conversion, suggesting generalizable principles for cascade catalyst design in selective hydrocarbon upgrading.