Effects of Mo promoters on the Cu–Fe bimetal catalysts for the DMC formation from CO2 and methanol

The Mo-promoted Cu–Fe bimetal catalysts were prepared and used for the formation of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), laser Raman spectra (LRS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) techniques. The experimental results demonstrated that the Mo promoters can decrease the reducibility and increase the dispersion of Cu–Fe clusters. The concentration balance of base–acid sites can be readily adjusted by changing the Mo content. The moderate concentration balance of acid and base sites was in favor of the DMC formation. Under optimal experimental conditions, the highest methanol conversion of 6.99% with a DMC selectivity of 87.7% can be obtained when 2.5 wt% of Mo was loaded.

Graphical abstractThe concentration balance of base–acid sites of Cu–Fe bimetal catalysts can be readily adjusted and thus the catalytic activities for the formation of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol were significantly enhanced by the introduction of Mo. The highest methanol conversion of 6.99% with a DMC selectivity of 87.7% was obtained when 2.5 wt% Mo was loaded.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide