Carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol over multi-functional catalyst: effects of reactants adsorption and metal-oxide(s) interfacial area

Copper-based catalysts with different metal-oxide(s) composition were synthesized and applied in CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol. The metal component(s) (Cu, Zn and/or Mn) were dispersed on high surface area SBA-15. Correlations between the adsorption properties of catalysts and the catalytic performances reveal that a catalyst with both strong hydrogenation strength and moderate CO₂ adsorption strength is crucial for achieving high CO₂ conversion. Additionally, the availability of metal-oxide(s) interfacial area greatly enhances methanol selectivity. An adequate balance between H₂ and CO₂ adsorptions as well as metal-oxide(s) interfacial area were responsible for the high catalytic activity achieved in this study.