Production of High-Calorie Synthetic Natural Gas via CO2 Hydrogenation over Robust Fe-Co Bimetal Catalysts

Abstract

Catalytic conversion of CO₂ into high-calorie synthetic natural gas (HCSNG) is a desirable pathway for both carbon mitigation and sustainable energy supply. Herein, we report a highly efficient Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst prepared via simple co-precipitation method. By tuning the C-C couping and hydrogenation functionality via adjusting Fe/Co ratios, a high per-pass HCSNG yield of 55.9%, along with a negligible olefin formation, was achieved over the Fe-16Co catalyst under 320 °C. This superior performance originates from the highly dispersed Fe and Co active sites with intimate proximity and abundant oxygen vacancies, which promotes CO₂ adsorption, and balances the C-C coupling and hydrogenation functions. Moreover, the Fe-16Co catalyst shows an excellent durability over time on stream of 1000 h, maintaining a relatively stable hydrocarbon distribution. This work offers an effective strategy for sustainable HCSNG synthesis and carbon-neutral fuel production.