CO2 hydrogenation to methanol over Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 catalysts prepared via a route of solid-state reaction

Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 catalysts were prepared by a route of solid-state reaction and tested for the synthesis of methanol from CO2 hydrogenation. The effects of calcination temperature on the physicochemical properties of as-prepared catalysts were investigated by N2 adsorption, XRD, TEM, N2O titration and H2-TPR techniques. The results show that the dispersion of copper species decreases with the increase in calcination temperature. Meanwhile, the phase transformation of zirconia from tetragonal to monoclinic was observed. The highest activity was achieved over the catalyst calcined at 400 °C. This method is a promising alternative for the preparation of highly efficient Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 catalysts.

Graphical abstractCu/ZnO/ZrO2 catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation were prepared via a route of solid-state reaction, and the CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity are strongly influenced by the calcination temperature.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights►Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 catalysts were prepared by a route of solid-state reaction. ►The dispersion of copper decreases with the increase in calcination temperature. ►Phase transformation of ZrO2 occurs with the increase in calcination temperature. ►The highest activity was achieved over the catalyst calcined at 400 °C.