Iron Carbides: Control Synthesis and Catalytic Applications in CO_x Hydrogenation and Electrochemical HER

Catalytic transformation of CO_x (x = 1, 2) with renewable H₂ into valuable fuels and chemicals provides practical processes to mitigate the worldwide energy crisis. Fe-based catalytic materials are widely used for those reactions due to their abundance and low cost. Novel iron carbides are particularly promising catalytic materials among the reported ferrous catalysts. Recently, a series of strategies has been developed for the preparation of iron carbide nanoparticles and their nanocomposites. Control synthesis of FeC_x -based nanomaterials and their catalytic applications in CO_x hydrogenation and electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are reviewed. The discussion is focused on the unique catalytic activities of iron carbides in CO_x hydrogenation and HER and the correlation between structure and catalytic performance. Future synthesis and potential catalytic applications of iron carbides are also summarized.