Fig. 7: The proposed mechanistic pathway for the Fe₂O₃@KO₂/zeolite catalyzed hydrogenation of CO₂, highlighting the efficacy of our multifunctional system.

The reaction sequence on a iron and b potassium phase of Fe₂O₃@KO₂ material implying the significance of tandem activation of CO₂ in this work. FTS-based c chain initiation and d chain propagation steps through both carbide and CO-insertion pathways; also known as Biloen–Sachtler mechanism (greenish background) and Pichler–Schulz mechanism (bluish background), respectively. e Simplified illustration highlighting the concepts of “molecular fit” and “containment effect” in zeolite catalysis. f A simplified relationship sketch between hydrocarbons/carbonylates (including CO) and final product selectivity for all zeolites, highlighting the significance of both supramolecular reaction centers and topology on controlling the product selectivity. (RWGS reverse water gas shift reaction, FTS Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis, HCP hydrocarbon pool).