Metal Organic Framework-Derived Iron Catalysts for the Direct Hydrogenation of CO2 to Short Chain Olefins

We report the synthesis of a highly active, selective, and stable catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 to short chain olefins in one single step by using a metal organic framework as catalyst precursor. By studying the promotion of the resulting Fe(41 wt %)-carbon composites with different elements (Cu, Mo, Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Pt, and Rh), we have found that only K is able to enhance olefin selectivity. Further catalyst optimization in terms of promoter loading results in catalysts displaying unprecedented C-2-C-4 olefin space time yields of 33.6 mmol.gcat(-1).h(-1) at X-CO2 = 40%, 320 degrees C, 30 bar, H-2/CO2 = 3, and 24 000 mL.g(-1).h(-1). Extensive characterization demonstrates that K promotion affects catalytic performance by (i) promoting a good balance between the different Fe active phases playing a role in CO2 hydrogenation, namely, iron oxide and iron carbides and by (ii) increasing CO2 and CO uptake while decreasing H-2 affinity, interactions responsible for boosting olefin selectivity.