Methanol synthesis by CO2 hydrogenation is a key process in a methanol‐based economy. This reaction is catalyzed by supported copper nanoparticles and displays strong support or promoter effects. Zirconia is known to enhance both the methanol produc...
Methanol synthesis by CO2 hydrogenation is a key process in a methanol‐based economy. This reaction is catalyzed by supported copper nanoparticles and displays strong support or promoter effects. Zirconia is known to enhance both the methanol production rate and the selectivity. Nevertheless, the origin of this observation and the reaction mechanisms associated with the conversion of CO2 to methanol still remain unknown. A mechanistic study of the hydrogenation of CO2 on Cu/ZrO2 is presented. Using kinetics, in situ IR and NMR spectroscopies, and isotopic labeling strategies, surface intermediates evolved during CO2 hydrogenation were observed at different pressures. Combined with DFT calculations, it is shown that a formate species is the reaction intermediate and that the zirconia/copper interface is crucial for the conversion of this intermediate to methanol.
Grenzwertig: Festkörper‐NMR‐ und IR‐Spektroskopie zeigen in Kombination mit Dichtefunktionalrechnungen, welche Zwischenstufen bei der Hydrierung von CO2 zu Methanol auf Cu/ZrO2‐Katalysatsoren durchlaufen werden. Die Untersuchung betont die Rolle der Metall‐Träger‐Grenzfläche bei der Bildung und Umsetzung von Formiat zu Methoxyspezies.