Controllable synthesis of α-MoC1-x and β-Mo2C nanowires for highly selective CO2 reduction to CO

Transition metal carbides are attractive catalysts because of their similar properties to precious metals. Here, we report the controllable synthesis of alpha-MoC1-x and beta-Mo2C nanowires as highly active and selective catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO (CO2 + H-2 -> CO + H2O, reverse water-gas shift reaction, RWGS). CO2 conversion of >60% together with nearly 100% CO selectivity was achieved at 600 degrees C, H-2:CO2 molar ratio of 4:1, and space velocity of 36,000 mL g(-1) h(-1). A formate decomposition mechanism for the RWGS reaction was proposed based on the in-situ DRIFTS results. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.