Obtaining Methanol from CO2 on Cu–Zn/Al2O3 and Cu–Zn/SiO2 Catalysts: Effect of the Support and Conditions of the Reaction.

A study is performed of the catalytic properties of Cu–Zn catalysts on Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ supports (Acros) in the reaction of CO₂ hydrogenation to obtain methanol. A sample of 30Cu15Zn/Al₂O₃ displays great selectivity toward methanol. A sample of 30Cu15Zn/SiO₂ has the highest methanol performance. The methanol performance of a sample of 10Cu5Zn/Al₂O₃ is doubled when the pressure is raised from 10 to 30 atm, and a 94% increase in selectivity is observed. A sample of catalyst 10Cu5Zn/SiO₂ does not lose its activity after 10 h of a catalytic reaction, and its methanol performance grows with repeated use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]