CHINESE scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to drastically cut carbon emissions from the production of liquid fuels like gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. This breakthrough paves a new path for advancing green energy and supports global efforts toward carbon neutrality.

The research, led by Professor Wen Xiaodong from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Coal Chemistry and Professor Ma Ding from Peking University, addresses a long-standing inefficiency in the century-old Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. Their findings were published in the journal Science on Oct. 30.

The Fischer-Tropsch process converts synthesis gas — a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen — into liquid hydrocarbons over a catalyst. However, when using common iron-based catalysts, a side reaction occurs where carbon monoxide reacts with water, producing substantial carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This not only creates high emissions but also lowers the yield of the desired fuel.

The team's innovative solution was to introduce a trace amount of halogen compounds, such as bromomethane, into the reaction gas. This small addition fundamentally alters the catalyst's behavior. The modified process nearly eliminates CO2 generation while dramatically increasing the output of valuable liquid hydrocarbons.

In their experiments, feeding just 20 parts per million of bromomethane over an iron carbide catalyst suppressed carbon dioxide selectivity to below 1%. Simultaneously, it boosted the production of olefins — key fuel precursors — to approximately 85% of all carbon-based products.

According to reports, the team is now collaborating with industry partners to conduct pilot tests and evaluate the long-term stability of the catalyst, with the goal of rapid commercialization.

“With wider adoption, this technology could significantly accelerate the green transformation of China’s coal chemical industry and offer a new solution for optimizing the global energy structure,” said Ma.

(SD-Agencies)