The changing nature of the active site of Cu-Zn-Zr catalysts for the CO2 hydrogenation reaction to methanol

- Differently prepared Cu-Zn-Zr catalysts were used in CO2 hydrogenation reaction.
- Catalyst composition and preparation method affect the physico-chemical properties.
- The gel-oxalate coprecipitated catalyst showed high CH3OH productivity and stability.
- The interaction of sites at metal-oxide interface plays a key catalytic role.