CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over ZrO2-Containing Catalysts: Insights into ZrO2 Induced Synergy

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ with renewable H₂ to methanol represents a promising pathway for reducing anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Catalysts play a key role in enhancing both the hydrogenation rate and methanol selectivity. ZrO₂ is a promising catalyst support, promoter and even active species for CO₂ hydrogenation due to its versatile properties and weak hydrophilic character. Over the past decades substantial progress has been made in designing high performance catalysts and understanding the hydrogenation mechanisms over ZrO₂-supported catalysts. ZrO₂ interacts with metals and/or other oxides and consequently may affect the CO₂ adsorption and activation, enhance the dissociation of H₂ and spillover of atomic hydrogen, change the reaction pathways and/or the binding of key reaction intermediates for further conversion. The synergistic effects induced by ZrO₂ could be achieved by improving the metal dispersion, modifying surface basicity and interacting with other components (metals, cosupports or promoters). However, although experimental and computational investigations have been extensively performed, the multiple roles of ZrO₂ in the catalytic process are still under debate. In the current Perspective, we use ZrO₂-containing catalysts as a model system to elucidate the governing principles for designing high performance catalysts with multiple active components for CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol.