Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis is an important module for the production of clean and sustainable fuels and chemicals, making it a topic of considerable interest in energy research. This mini-review covers the current literature on FT catalysis and offers insights into the primary products, the nuances of the FT reaction, and the product distribution, with particular attention to the Anderson–Schulz–Flory distribution (ASFD) and known deviations from this fundamental concept. Conventional FT catalysts, particularly Fe- and Co-based catalysis systems, are reviewed, highlighting their central role and the influence of water and water–gas shift (WGS) activity on their catalytic behavior. Various mechanisms of catalyst deactivation are also investigated, and the high methanation activity of Co-based catalysts is illustrated. To make this complex field accessible to a broader audience, we explain conjectured reaction mechanisms, namely, the carbide mechanism and CO insertion. We discuss the complex formation of a wide range of products, including olefins, kerosenes, branched hydrocarbons, and by-products such as alcohols and oxygenates. The article goes beyond the traditional scope of FT catalysis by addressing topics of current interest, including the direct hydrogenation of CO2 for power-to-X applications and the use of bifunctional catalysts to produce tailored FT products, most notably for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This mini-review provides a holistic overview of the evolving landscape of FT catalysts and is aimed at both experienced researchers and those new to the field while covering current and emerging trends in this important area of energy research.

中文翻译：

---

费托催化洞察：能源研究的当前观点、机制和新兴趋势

费托合成（FT）是生产清洁和可持续燃料和化学品的重要模块，使其成为能源研究中备受关注的课题。这篇小型评论涵盖了 FT 催化的最新文献，并提供了对主要产物、FT 反应的细微差别和产物分布的见解，特别关注安德森-舒尔茨-弗洛里分布 (ASFD) 和已知的偏差基本概念。对传统的费托催化剂，特别是铁基和钴基催化体系进行了综述，强调了它们的核心作用以及水和水煤气变换（WGS）活性对其催化行为的影响。还研究了催化剂失活的各种机制，并说明了钴基催化剂的高甲烷化活性。为了让更广泛的受众了解这个复杂的领域，我们解释了推测的反应机制，即碳化物机制和 CO 插入。我们讨论了多种产品的复杂形成，包括烯烃、煤油、支链烃以及醇和含氧化合物等副产品。该文章超越了 FT 催化的传统范围，讨论了当前感兴趣的主题，包括 CO 的直接加氢2用于 power-to-X 应用以及使用双功能催化剂生产定制的 FT 产品，尤其是用于生产可持续航空燃料 (SAF)。这篇简短的评论提供了费托催化剂不断发展的整体概述，面向经验丰富的研究人员和该领域的新手，同时涵盖了这一重要能源研究领域当前和新兴的趋势。