Core-shell structured CuO-ZnO@H-ZSM-5 catalysts for CO hydrogenation to dimethyl ether

► Core-shell structured CuO-ZnO@H-ZSM-5 were prepared by homogeneous precipitation. ► The structure of these catalysts were confirmed by XRD, SEM, H2-TPR and N2O titration. ► These catalysts are highly active for CO hydrogenation to DME at high space velocity (>6000 mL/(g-cat h). ► The STY of DME over CZ@H(7.5) reached 0.76 g-DME/g-cat h at 260 °C, 2.0 MPa, H2/CO = 2/1.