Iron Carbides: Control Synthesis and Catalytic Applications in CO<sub>x</sub> Hydrogenation and Electrochemical HER.

Li, Siwei; Yang, Jinghe; Song, Chuqiao; Zhu, Qingjun; Xiao, Dequan; Ma, Ding · Adv Mater · 2019

review · Level V

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Abstract

Catalytic transformation of CO<sub>x</sub> (x = 1, 2) with renewable H<sub>2</sub> into valuable fuels and chemicals provides practical processes to mitigate the worldwide energy crisis. Fe-based catalytic materials are widely used for those reactions due to their abundance and low cost. Novel iron carbides are particularly promising catalytic materials among the reported ferrous catalysts. Recently, a series of strategies has been developed for the preparation of iron carbide nanoparticles and their nanocomposites. Control synthesis of FeC<sub>x</sub> -based nanomaterials and their catalytic applications in CO<sub>x</sub> hydrogenation and electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are reviewed. The discussion is focused on the unique catalytic activities of iron carbides in CO<sub>x</sub> hydrogenation and HER and the correlation between structure and catalytic performance. Future synthesis and potential catalytic applications of iron carbides are also summarized.