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

• Published in: Catalysis communications 2016-09, Vol.84, p.147-150
• Main Authors: Gao, Jiajian, Wu, Yue, Jia, Chunmiao, Zhong, Ziyi, Gao, Feng, Yang, Yanhui, Liu, Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CO2 reduction; Molybdenum carbide; Reaction mechanism; Reverse water gas shift reaction
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2016.06.026

Transition metal carbides are attractive catalysts because of their similar properties to precious metals. Here, we report the controllable synthesis of α-MoC1-x and β-Mo2C nanowires as highly active and selective catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO (CO2+H2→CO+H2O, reverse water-gas shift reaction, RWGS). CO2 conversion of >60% together with nearly 100% CO selectivity was achieved at 600°C, H2:CO2 molar ratio of 4:1, and space velocity of 36,000mLg−1h−1. A formate decomposition mechanism for the RWGS reaction was proposed based on the in-situ DRIFTS results. [Display omitted] •α and β phase molybdenum carbides nanowires have been controllably synthesized.•Both phase molybdenum carbides showed high activity for CO2 reduction to CO.•Nearly 100% CO selectivity can be obtained under CO2 conversion of above 60%.•CO selectivity maintained above 99.9% during 20h of continuous test at 600°C.•A formate decomposition mechanism for the RWGS reaction was proposed.