(517a) Tuning the Activity and Selectivity of Transition Metal Phosphide Catalysts for CO and CO2 Hydrogenation

CO₂ from combustion and industrial processes holds great potential as an abundant carbon feedstock for the synthesis of fuels and chemicals. CO₂ can be hydrogenated to high value products using a renewable hydrogen source, generating carbon neutral fuels and chemicals. In current industrial processes CO₂ is often present in the syngas feed or formed as a side product. Developing heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ conversion is thus critical for improving existing processes as well as transitioning to CO₂ as a sustainable globally distributed carbon feedstock. We have investigated transition metal phosphide catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO, CO₂ and their mixtures and have developed catalysts with high stability under changing feed conditions. Transition metal phosphide catalysts were found to be active for the synthesis of a range of products including methane, hydrocarbons, methanol and higher alcohols. Promoters were found to have a large impact on product selectivity. Transition metal phosphides are novel catalysts for CO₂ activation and hold great promise for the utilization of CO₂ as a new carbon feedstock.