Carbon dioxide hydrogenation over Fe–Ce catalysts

Unpromoted and Ce-promoted Fe catalysts were tested in the CO2 hydrogenation reaction. Both catalysts form predominantly CO and hydrocarbons (C1–C10). Reaction rate and selectivity to the different products were essentially the same with both catalysts. The chain growth probability (α) was very similar in both cases (∼0.44). Prior of being used in the CO2 hydrogenation reaction, the catalysts were used in CO hydrogenation until the stationary state was established. It was found that the Ce incorporation into the iron catalyst does not alter its final performance but it shortens the time required to reach stationary-state operation conditions.