High C(2)-C(4) selectivity in CO(2) hydrogenation by particle size control of Co-Fe alloy nanoparticles wrapped on N-doped graphitic carbon

A catalyst based on first-row Fe and Co with a record of 51% selectivity to C(2)-C(4) hydrocarbons at 36% CO(2) conversion is disclosed. The factors responsible for the C(2+) selectivity are a narrow Co-Fe particle size distribution of about 10 nm and embedment in N-doped graphitic matrix. These hydrogenation catalysts convert CO(2) into C(2)-C(4) hydrocarbons, including ethane, propane, n-butane, ethylene and propylene together with methane, CO. Selectivity varies depending on the catalyst, CO(2) conversion, and the operation conditions. Operating with an H(2)/CO(2) ratio of 4 at 300°C and pressure on 5 bar, a remarkable combined 30% of ethylene and propylene at 34% CO(2) conversion was achieved. The present results open the way to develop an economically attractive process for CO(2) reduction leading to products of higher added value and longer life cycles with a substantial selectivity.