Controllable synthesis of α-MoC1-x and β-Mo2C nanowires for highly selective CO2 reduction to CO

Transition metal carbides are attractive catalysts because of their similar properties to precious metals. Here, we report the controllable synthesis of α-MoC1-x and β-Mo2C nanowires as highly active and selective catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO (CO2 + H2 → CO + H2O, reverse water-gas shift reaction, RWGS). CO2 conversion of > 60% together with nearly 100% CO selectivity was achieved at 600 °C, H2:CO2 molar ratio of 4:1, and space velocity of 36,000 mL g− 1 h− 1. A formate decomposition mechanism for the RWGS reaction was proposed based on the in-situ DRIFTS results.