Preparation of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol by CO2 Assisted Aging

A Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst prepared by adding CO2 during the aging step was used for methanol synthesis from CO2 and H2. The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, temperature- programmed decomposition, and temperature-programmed reduction. The precursor from the modified method with added CO2 had malachite and hydrotalcite-like phases and was more stable than that of the sample without added CO2. After calcination, the modified catalyst had a higher surface area, larger pore volume, and smaller particle size. The modified catalyst gave a higher activity for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation in the reaction temperature range of 200–260 oC.