Exploiting the latency of carbon as catalyst in CO₂ hydrogenation

The versatility of carbon has made it propitious for catalyst fabrication across various sectors of heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, a fundamental insight into the effects of carbon-supports in CO₂ hydrogenation is established by facilely preparing and investigating diversely configured carbon supported Fe catalysts. Although the active component remains Fe, unique synergies attained over the Fe-carbon interfaces created an ambience disparate among the catalysts for enhanced activity and selective distribution. Generally, the carbons facilitated C–C coupling but more C₅ + hydrocarbons are observed in the products when there is a stronger interaction between the carbon support and Fe phases. The selectivity for C₅⁺ hydrocarbons reached the highest of ∼ 40 % in total hydrocarbon products when Fe and Na were encapsulated in carbon. Carbide formation was eased as a result of enhanced CO₂ adsorption by the carbon supports whereas some surface functional groups attached to carbon surfaces improved C–C coupling to olefins and heavy hydrocarbons. The results presented maintains carbon as a promising catalytic material while the emphasis on structure, configuration, and surface properties reveal essentials in designing carbon-based catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis.