Abstract

The rapid increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has become a concern in our world today. The application of CO2 methanation offers potential to mitigate CO2 emissions while significantly enhancing the production value of synthetic natural gas. In this study, fibrous silica, KCC-1, was successfully synthesized, which will henceforth be referred to as K-1, using the micro-emulsion method. The synthesized K-1 was investigated as a support for 5 wt % iron (Fe) content, prepared via the impregnation method, designated as FK-1. These catalysts were characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using potassium bromide (FTIR-KBr), and N2 adsorption-desorption. The catalytic performance evaluation demonstrated that FK-1 achieved a CO2 conversion of 74% at 400 °C, higher than K-1 (65%), attributed to the well-distributed Fe onto K-1, as indicated by FESEM and XRD, which provide more active sites for CO2 and H2 adsorption. In addition, FTIR-KBr analysis indicated the formation of Si-O-Fe bonds, which likely enhanced reactant adsorption and contributed to FK-1's superior catalytic performance. These findings highlight the potential of K-1 as an efficient support for Fe metal, capable of improving low-temperature catalytic activity through enhanced metal-support interactions. © 2025 by Sami Publishing Company.