Studying the effect of metal oxides in the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol

This paper investigates the effect of different properties and compositions of metal oxides on improving the performance of catalysts used for the conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol. Since CO2 is a thermodynamically stable and unreactive compound, the use of effective catalysts for its activation is essential. Experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the use of metal oxides such as ZnO, CeO2, ZrO2 and TiO2 as promoters or supports alongside copper-based catalysts (such as Cu/ZnO/Al2O3) increases copper dispersion, increases active sites, improves CO2 absorption and ultimately improves methanol efficiency and selectivity. Also, the effect of nanostructure and precise composition of catalysts on increasing their performance has been emphasized.