The
direct transformation of CO2 into high-value-added
hydrocarbons (i.e., olefins and aromatics) has the potential to make
a decisive impact in our society. However, despite the efforts of
the scientific community, no direct synthetic route exists today to
synthesize olefins and aromatics from CO2 with high productivities
and low undesired CO selectivity. Herein, we report the combination
of a series of catalysts comprising potassium superoxide doped iron
oxide and a highly acidic zeolite (ZSM-5 and MOR) that directly convert
CO2 to either light olefins (in MOR) or aromatics (in ZSM-5)
with high space–time yields (STYC2‑C4= =
11.4 mmol·g–1·h–1; STYAROM = 9.2 mmol·g–1·h–1) at CO selectivities as low as 12.8% and a
CO2 conversion of 49.8% (reaction conditions: T = 375 °C, P = 30 bar, H2/CO2 = 3, and 5000 mL·g–1·h–1). Comprehensive solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance characterization
of the zeolite component reveals that the key for the low CO selectivity
is the formation of surface formate species on the zeolite framework.
The remarkable difference in selectivity between the two zeolites
is further rationalized by first-principles simulations, which show
a difference in reactivity for crucial carbenium ion intermediates
in MOR and ZSM-5.