Transition metal carbides (TMCs) have been identified as potential low-cost candidates for CO2 reduction because of their multi-functionality that enables H2 dissociation, C=O bond scission, and reducible-oxide-like behavior, all of which are crucial to the conversion of CO2 to CO and higher hydrocarbons. In addition to this multifunctionality (i.e., metallic sites, acidic sites, and basic sites), TMCs have been found to exhibit noble-metal-like behavior and offer opportunities to tune catalytic reactivity based on the selection of metal, stoichiometry, and crystal structure. However, the harsh conditions required to prepare these materials have largely limited the scope of synthetic control over their physical properties. Solution-phase synthetic routes to prepare colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) of noble metals have been extensively developed over the past 20 years and have enabled control over composition, size, and morphology. This synthetic control has facilitated the understanding of key structure-reactivity relationships that have driven the development of NPs with improved catalytic performance (e.g., activity and selectivity). In contrast, there are comparatively few techniques in the synthetic toolbox that afford the same degree of control over the physical properties of TMCs, particularly for Group 6 TMCs with catalytic relevance to CO2 hydrogenation. Herein, we present an exceptionally mild and scalable solution-phase synthesis route to phase-pure molybdenum carbide (α-MoC1-x) nanoparticles in a continuous flow millifluidic reactor. This presentation will focus on the development of a scalable synthetic strategy to yield colloidally stable MoC1-x NPs that are resistant to bulk oxidation. Further, we compared the thermochemical CO2 hydrogenation performance of α-MoC1-x NPs dispersed on an inert carbon support to a bulk α-MoC1-x analogue. The NP-MoC1-x/C catalyst exhibited a two-fold increase in both activity on a per-site basis and selectivity to C2+ products compared to the bulk α-MoC1-x analogue.

Scalable solution-phase synthesis of molybdenum carbide nanoparticles for thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.