Unexpected oscillations clarify mechanism of 100 year-old Fischer–Tropsch reaction

Sustained oscillations in the rate and selectivity of the industrially important Fischer–Tropsch reaction have been observed and measured for the first time. The US team used these observations to propose a plausible reaction mechanism which could help tailor the design of future catalysts for specific chemical products.

The Fischer–Tropsch reaction, first reported in 1913, combines hydrogen and carbon monoxide over a metal catalyst to produce hydrocarbons. Subsequent modifications have expanded the product profile of this reaction and it is now used to generate a range of valuable chemical feedstocks including olefins, alcohols and aldehydes.