Studies on the structure and catalytic performance of Cu-Zn-Al catalyst prepared by liquid-phase preparation technology under different heat treatment atmosphere

Cu-Zn-Al slurry catalysts were prepared using a complete liquid-phase preparation technology under different heat treatment atmospheres. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, and N2 adsorption-desorption. Their application in the single-step synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas was also investigated. The results indicate that the type of heat treatment atmosphere has an influence on the Cu species and the Cu0/Cu+ ratio on the catalyst surface. Moreover, the final Cu/Zn ratio on the catalyst surface is mainly dependent on the composition and reaction environment of the catalyst and less on the type of heat treatment atmosphere. The prepared catalysts can suppress sintering of active sites at high temperatures, and the type of heat treatment atmosphere mainly affects the capability of the catalyst for methanol synthesis. The catalysts perform best using N2 as the heat treatment atmosphere.