Catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into methanol over copper under hydrothermal conditions

A novel method for the catalytic synthesis of methanol from CO2 over Cu in the presence of Zn under hydrothermal conditions was investigated. The results showed Cu acts as an active catalyst in conversion of CO2 into methanol. The methanol yield of 11.4% was achieved at 350 °C for 3 h with Cu 70 mmol, Zn 60 mmol, HCl 2.0 M and water filling 50%. The plausible mechanism for the hydrothermal conversion of CO2 into methanol was also discussed.

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► Catalytic reduction of CO2 into methanol over Cu under hydrothermal conditions was studied.
► Cu catalyst is widespread and precious metal catalysts were not used.
► Gaseous hydrogen as reducing agent to the reaction system was not needed.
► In this research, water acts not only as an excellent solvent but also as a source of hydrogen.