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

Abstract 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.