Pt–Fe Bimetallic Nanoparticles Confined in Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanoshells as a Catalyst for the Reverse Water–Gas Shift Reaction

Preventing nanoparticle migration and agglomeration on the surface of supported heterogeneous catalysts, especially at tailored bimetallic sites, poses a significant challenge. The reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction is considered a promising route for converting CO2 into CO, an essential feedstock for industrial chemical production. Herein, a core–shell nanostructure anchoring on the surface was developed, which consists of a PtFe bicomponent core (∼2.6 nm) and a nitrogen-doped carbon nanoshell (∼1.3 nm). This structural design enhances the CO2 adsorption saturation, weakens the CO adsorption strength, and promotes hydrogen spillover. This PtFe core–shell material (Pt/Fe = 1:1) demonstrates an elevated reaction rate of 12.58 molCO2 gPt–1 h–1, with nearly 100% CO selectivity at 450 °C and atmosphere pressure. The activity is 5.1-fold higher than that of the Pt nanoparticle, attributed to the tuned geometric and electronic properties. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanoshell preserves the core–shell morphology at a high temperature. Moreover, the in situ experiments reveal the H-assisted dissociation/activation of the CO2 pathway for RWGS. The integration of the bimetallic synergy and core–shell structure is a potent strategy for thermal catalytic processes.