Novel Fe-modified CeO2 Nanorod Catalyst for the Dimethyl Carbonate Formation from CO2 and Methanol

Graphical Promoting : A series of Fe-modified CeO 2 catalysts with nanoparticle, nanorod, nanocube and nano-octahedron morphologies were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The Fe-modified CeO 2 nanorod catalysts exhibit a remarkably promoting effect on the formation of DMC from CO 2 and methanol. A series of Fe-modified CeO 2 catalysts with nanoparticle, nanorod, nanocube and nano-octahedron morphologies were synthesized and applied for direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO 2 and methanol. The Fe-modification shows a remarkably promoting effect on the formation of DMC over Fe-modified CeO 2 nanorod. The DMC yield was improved from 0.202 to 2.568 mmol DMC per g cat by 2 %Fe-modification of CeO 2 nanorod. A synergistic effect among the moderate acid-basic sites, specific surface area and surface composition resulted from Fe-modification was proposed to be crucial to obtaining the high reactivity of DMC formation.