Uncovering the reaction mechanism behind CoO as active phase for CO2 hydrogenation

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-27981-x
• Publication Date: 2022-01-14T11:02:40Z
• Authors: Iris C. ten Have; Josepha J. G. Kro...; Matteo Monai; Davide Ferri; Ellen B. Sterk; Florian Meirer; Bert M. Weckhuysen
• Keywords: Cobalt oxide

Abstract Transforming carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals and fuels, is a promising tool for environmental industrial purposes. Here, we present catalysts comprising of cobalt (oxide) nanoparticles stabilized on various support oxides hydrocarbon production from dioxide. We demonstrate that the activity selectivity can be tuned by selection oxide oxidation state. Modulated excitation (ME) diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) reveals follows hydrogen-assisted pathway, whereas metallic mainly direct dissociation pathway. Contrary to commonly considered active phase cobalt-based catalysts, titania most catalyst in this study produces 11% C 2+ hydrocarbons. The increases 39% (yielding 104 mmol h −1 g cat hydrocarbons) upon co-feeding CO 2 at ratio 1:2 250 °C 20 bar, thus outperforming majority typical catalysts.