Size-Controlled Model Co Nanoparticle Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Reactions

Model cobalt catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation were prepared using colloidal chemistry. The turnover frequency at 6 bar and at 200-300 degrees C increased with cobalt nanoparticle size from 3 to 10 nm. It was demonstrated that near monodisperse nanoparticles in the size range of 3-10 nm could be generated without using trioctylphosphine oxide, a capping ligand that we demonstrate results in phosphorus being present on the metal surface and poisoning catalyst activity in our application.