Iron Carbides: Control Synthesis and Catalytic Applications in COx Hydrogenation and Electrochemical HER

Catalytic transformation of COx (x = 1, 2) with renewable H-2 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 FeCx-based nanomaterials and their catalytic applications in COx hydrogenation and electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are reviewed. The discussion is focused on the unique catalytic activities of iron carbides in COx hydrogenation and HER and the correlation between structure and catalytic performance. Future synthesis and potential catalytic applications of iron carbides are also summarized.