In‐Situ‐Formed Potassium‐Modified Nickel‐Zinc Carbide Boosts Production of Higher Alcohols beyond CH₄ in CO₂ Hydrogenation

Abstract

Ni‐based catalysts have been widely studied in the hydrogenation of CO2 to CH4, but selective and efficient synthesis of higher alcohols (C2+OH) from CO2 hydrogenation over Ni‐based catalyst is still challenging due to successive hydrogenation of C1 intermediates leading to methanation. Herein, we report an unprecedented synthesis of C2+OH from CO2 hydrogenation over K‐modified Ni−Zn bimetal catalyst with promising activity and selectivity. Systematic experiments (including XRD, in situ spectroscopic characterization) and computational studies reveal the in situ generation of an active K‐modified Ni−Zn carbide (K‐Ni3Zn1C0.7) by carburization of Zn‐incorporated Ni0, which can significantly enhance CO2 adsorption and the surface coverage of alkyl intermediates, and boost the C−C coupling to C2+OH rather than conventional CH4. This work opens a new catalytic avenue toward CO2 hydrogenation to C2+OH, and also provides an insightful example for the rational design of selective and efficient Ni‐based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to multiple carbon products.