Regulating Reaction Pathways in CO2 Hydrogenation over Fe-Based Catalysts: Active Phases, Interfaces, and Tandem Catalysis

Abstract Catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to high-value-added chemicals is a promising strategy for carbon recycling. Fe-based catalysts have attracted considerable attention owing to their adjustable active phases and versatile product distribution. However, Fe-based catalysts often suffer from poor selectivity, oxidation, carbon deposition, and sintering. This review summarizes recent advances in Fe-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation, with emphasis on active-phase evolution and reaction mechanisms. Key strategies for performance enhancement, including promoter modification, secondary-metal addition, support engineering, spatial confinement, and dynamic modification, are discussed. Particular attention is given to Fe-based tandem systems for overcoming conventional product-distribution limitations and selectively producing value-added chemicals. Eventually, perspectives on the precise regulation of Fe species structure–performance relationships, catalyst stability, and industrial scale-up are provided to guide the rational design of Fe-based catalysts.