Low-temperature methanol synthesis via (CO2 + CO) combined hydrogenation using Cu-ZnO/Al2O3 hybrid nanoparticle cluster

Conversion of CO2 into valuable fuel or chemical feedstock is important to sustainable technological development. Hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol, preferably under a relatively low temperature and moderate pressure, is attractive. In this study, a combined (CO2 + CO) hydrogenation process is proposed as an alternative two-stage route for methanol production. Cu-based hybrid catalysts supported on alumina nanoparticle clusters were developed for promoting methanol production. The results show an increase of ≈ 3.2 times in methanol space-time yield (STYMeOH) at 220 °C by incorporating CO to the CO2 hydrogenation process, and the maximum STYMeOH, 6.1 mmolgcat-1h-1, was achievable under a low-temperature (220 °C), moderate high-pressure operation (30 bar). The work demonstrates a rational design of hybrid nanostructured material to achieve superior catalytic performance in the combined (CO2 + CO) hydrogenation. The mechanistic understanding gives insights into the interfacial catalysis by Cu-ZnO hybrid nanostructured materials for methanol production.