Towards Carbon‐Neutral CO 2 Conversion to Hydrocarbons

With fossil fuels still predicted to contribute close to 80 % of the primary energy consumption by 2040, methods to limit further CO 2 emissions in the atmosphere are urgently needed to avoid the catastrophic scenarios associated with global warming. In parallel with improvements in energy efficiency and CO 2 storage, the conversion of CO 2 has emerged as a complementary route with significant potential. In this work we present the direct thermo‐catalytic conversion of CO 2 to hydrocarbons using a novel iron nanoparticle–carbon nanotube (Fe@CNT) catalyst. We adopted a holistic and systematic approach to CO 2 conversion by integrating process optimization—identifying reaction conditions to maximize conversion and selectivity towards long chain hydrocarbons and/or short olefins—with catalyst optimization through the addition of promoters. The result is the production of valuable hydrocarbons in a manner that can approach carbon neutrality under realistic industrial process conditions.