Design of highly active cobalt catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation via the tailoring of surface orientation of nanostructures

Abstract

The synthesis of nanomaterials with well-controlled morphologies and surface orientations has opened new avenues towards increasing catalytic performance and understanding of fundamental catalytic pathways. Here, we illustrate how tailoring surface orientations of Co₃O₄ catalysts on the nanoscale results in control over catalytic performance via the preferential formation of active surface species during CO₂ hydrogenation. This results in a significant increase in the methane yield on Co₃O₄ nanorods, as opposed to conventional nanoparticle catalysts, where Co₃O₄ nanorods inhibit the formation of formate spectator species via the preferential formation of bridged CO as an intermediate species. This design approach provides a new dimension for the development of next generation catalysts and opens new, more efficient strategies for the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful hydrocarbons.