Self-healing catalysts: CO3O4 nanorods for fischer-tropsch synthesis

A self-healing reaction process for a chemical reaction is provided by exposing a catalyst a reaction mixture that includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas such that hydrocarbons are produced. The catalyst includes Co3O4 nanorods having both Co2+ and Co3+ exposed thereon. The Co3O4 nanorods can have a spinel crystal structure such that the Co3O4 nanorods define a {110} facet having both Co2+ and Co3+ exposed thereon. During reaction conditions, water can oxidize portions of the catalyst, while the exposed Co3+ can reduce any oxidized portions of the catalyst such that the catalyst is self-healing during reaction conditions, especially when the reaction mixture further comprises water.