High C2-C4 selectivity in CO2 hydrogenation by particle size control of Co-Fe alloy nanoparticles wrapped on N-doped graphitic carbon

Abstract

[EN] A catalyst based on first-row Fe and Co with a record of 51% selectivity to C-2-C-4 hydrocarbons at 36% CO2 conversion is disclosed. The factors responsible for the C2+ selectivity are a narrow Co-Fe particle size distribution of about 10 nm and embedment in N-doped graphitic matrix. These hydrogenation catalysts convert CO2 into C-2-C-4 hydrocarbons, including ethane, propane, n-butane, ethylene and propylene together with methane, CO. Selectivity varies depending on the catalyst, CO2 conversion, and the operation conditions. Operating with an H-2/ CO2 ratio of 4 at 300 degrees C and pressure on 5 bar, a remarkable combined 30% of ethylene and propylene at 34% CO2 conversion was achieved. The present results open the way to develop an economically attractive process for CO2 reduction leading to products of higher added value and longer life cycles with a substantial selectivity.