Enhancing the Formation of C 2+ Hydrocarbons in CO 2 Hydrogenation Through Co 2 C/CeO x Interactions

ABSTRACT Cobalt carbide (Co 2 C) shows promise for CO 2 hydrogenation to C 2+ hydrocarbons via the CO 2 ‐Fischer–Tropsch pathway, although the production rate is still limited by the slow CO hydrogenation step. Herein, we developed CeO x ‐modified Co 2 C catalysts. At a Co/Ce molar ratio of 99, the catalyst achieved a C 2+ hydrocarbon space‐time yield of 106 mmol g cat −1 h −1 at 35% CO 2 conversion (300°C, 3 MPa), outperforming all reported Co‐based catalysts and comparable to some Fe‐based catalysts. Characterizations and kinetic studies reveal that highly dispersed CeO x interacts with Co, forming abundant and intimately contacted interfaces and effectively tuning the electronic structure of Co 2 C. The Co 2 C–CeO x electronic interaction enhances CO adsorption and H 2 activation, accelerating the rate‐determining CO hydrogenation and ultimately boosting C 2+ hydrocarbon formation. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing efficient Co 2 C‐based catalysts for CO 2 hydrogenation.