Researchers have managed to carry out the Fischer-Tropsch reaction in water for the first time, paving the way for the development of hydrocarbon fuels.

The reaction uses a catalyst to create short-chain hydrocarbons and it is hoped that the changes can create a completely 'green' reaction.

Researchers from Peking University in China replaced the traditional catalyst of iron or cobalt with two nanometre clusters of ruthenium.

This unsupported catalyst is more reactive than other catalysts and therefore works better at lower temperatures, the Royal Society of Chemistry reports. Furthermore the hydrocarbon produced does not mix with water, meaning that the resulting fuel is not contaminated by the catalyst.

Researchers found a 35-fold increase in activity compared to supported catalysts when at a standard operating temperature of 150 degrees Centigrade, as well as an impressive 16-fold increase at just 100 degrees Centigrade.

Source:

Aqueous Fischer-Tropsch is clean and green, 12/12/07
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2007/December/12120701.asp

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