Iron catalysts supported on nitrogen functionalized carbon for improved CO₂ hydrogenation performance

Preparation of highly efficient Fe-based catalysts is a reliable and achievable goal for catalyzing CO₂ hydrogenation. Herein, ethylene diamine as a benign modifier well regulates the surface properties of carbon support, achieving a good dispersion of active small-size iron carbide sites. With the further incorporation of alkaline K promoter, heavy hydrocarbon selectivity (C₅₊) is increased from 14.8% to 39.8%. Combining several catalyst characterization (XRD, CO₂-TPD, H₂-TPR, TEM, and XPS) and reaction data, discloses that good dispersion, enhanced reduction/carburization behavior, and small-size carbides formation are essential for improving CO₂ performance. Simultaneous doping of nitrogen atoms and alkali metal provides a promising means for CO₂ fixation and rational design of functionalized metal-supported carbon catalysts.