Enhancement of stability and activity of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts by microwave irradiation for liquid phase methanol synthesis

► Microwave irradiation is used in preparation of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts. ► The stability of the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst is significantly improved by microwave irradiation. ► Microwave irradiation promote the substitution of Zn2+ in Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 by Cu2+. ► The calcined CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 show strong interaction between CuO and ZnO and well dispersed CuO.