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 (C₅₊) under milder conditions, but the efficient C-C coupling of C₁ intermediates remains challenging. Herein, a carbon-supported plasmonic CoRu₅@C catalyst has been successfully constructed for promoting C-C coupling. Experimental results demonstrate that under ambient pressure and photothermal conditions at 250 °C, CoRu₅@C exhibits a C₅₊ 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 C₁ 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.