On the catalytic mechanism of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 for COx hydrogenation

The structural characterization of the catalysts shows that isomorphous substitution took place between copper and zinc oxide in the catalyst. XPS analysis indicates that copper still appears as metallic copper and zinc as ZnO during COx hydrogenation. The activity of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for methanol synthesis from CO, hydrogenation relies on both metallic copper surface area and a strong interaction (synergy) between copper and zinc oxide determine. The kinetic and in situ IR results reveal that methanol is formed directly from CO2 hydrogenation. CO2 is the primary carbon source of methanol formation. A mechanism scheme of methanol synthesis is proposed.