EDTA chemical directly orient CO2 hydrogenation towards olefins

CO2 hydrogenation to olefins remains a solution to valorize CO2 emissions. While progress has been unprecedented, a formidable challenge in catalyst development using environmentally friendly methods at a low cost still lingers. Herein, we detail the characteristics of FeNa-EDTA-derived catalysts that enhance olefin selectivity in the CO2 hydrogenation reaction. The catalysts were facilely prepared by thermally decomposing FeNa-EDTA reagent in N-2, H-2, and Air without sophisticated procedures. Observing the disposition of the components discloses a high dispersing of 'Na' and Fe species within a carbon matrix that attains a unique synergy for the enhanced formation of iron carbides. Analysis on the surfaces identifies carboxylates and nitrogen functional groups that facilitated the adsorption of CO2 gas while boosting olefin formation. A high olefin selectivity of 63 % in total products was achieved at a conversion of 36.9 % with a low CO selectivity of 10.7 % over FeNaC-N-2 catalyst. The catalysts presented here are not just simple to prepare and reproduce but environmentally benign as well.

Automated summary

This study presents the characteristics of catalysts derived from FeNa-EDTA that enhance olefin selectivity in CO2 hydrogenation. The catalysts are facilely prepared and exhibit high dispersing of 'Na' and Fe species, leading to enhanced formation of iron carbides. Carboxylates and nitrogen functional groups on the catalyst surfaces facilitate the adsorption of CO2 gas and boost olefin formation. The catalysts achieve high olefin selectivity and low CO selectivity, making them environmentally benign.