CO2 hydrogenation to methanol: the role of the catalyst composition on the activity

In 2024, CO2 concentration in our atmosphere reached 427 ppm. This value is well beyond the safety threshold of 350 ppm and leads to severe consequences to our planet by accelerating climate change. Several mitigation strategies should be developed and implemented, including CO2 valorisation. A promising way to valorise CO2 is combining it with renewable H2 to produce methanol. This study focused on identifying and analysing a new catalytic system for the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, examining the role of catalyst composition in methanol synthesis. The effect of promoters on the activity of methanol catalysts with different active phase loadings was investigated as well as the preparation procedure of the materials was optimized. It was observed how catalyst’s properties are affected by the composition and an optimal loading of a promoter was determined. Such findings provided insights for the development of new catalysts for the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.