Fe clusters embedded on N-doped graphene as a photothermal catalyst for selective CO2 hydrogenation

In comparison with the Co analog, small Fe clusters incorporated in a graphene matrix exhibit a photo-assisted increase of 110% in reverse water gas shift COhydrogenation under UV-Vis light irradiation. Available data indicate that the photo-assistance derives from light absorption by the N-doped graphene followed by charge recombination at the Fe clusters, increasing their local temperature.
Financial support by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RTI2018-98237-CO2-1) and Generalitat Valenciana (Prometeo 2017-083) is gratefully acknowledged. This project has also received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 861151.