Dynamic carbon exchange at the MoO x ‐C interface for reverse water‐gas shift reaction

Abstract The reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction is a key route for CO 2 utilization, yet catalysts combining high activity, selectivity, long‐term stability, and cost‐effectiveness remain challenging. Herein, MoO x ‐C/Al 2 O 3 catalysts were constructed using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology, and interfacial Mo‐C bonds impart carbide‐like catalytic characteristics. Catalytic evaluation and kinetic analyses demonstrate that MoO x ‐C/Al 2 O 3 (1:1) exhibits the optimal RWGS performance without pretreatment, achieving a CO formation rate of 251.08 mmol·g cat −1 ·h −1 with <1% deactivation over 100 h at 600°C. The performance is mainly attributed to the Mo‐C/O v interface, which balances CO 2 activation, H 2 activation, and CO desorption. 13 CO 2 isotope labeling and 13 CO 2 / 12 CO 2 isotopic exchange experiments further reveal dynamic carbon exchange between interfacial carbon species and gaseous reactants, thereby promoting CO formation. These findings identify a stable Mo‐C/O v interface and dynamic carbon cycling as key design features for efficient and durable RWGS catalysts.