Zirconia catalyst was prepared by precipitation method, and the CO hydrogenation and the effects of water on the methanol synthesis were studied. Zirconia exhibited a high selectivity toward butenes and produced hydrocarbons, methanol and dimethyl eth...
Zirconia catalyst was prepared by precipitation method, and the CO hydrogenation and the effects of water on the methanol synthesis were studied. Zirconia exhibited a high selectivity toward butenes and produced hydrocarbons, methanol and dimethyl ether. Water appeared to play an important role in the methanol synthesis. Preadsorbed water promoted the formation of hydrocarbons but inhibited the methanol synthesis. When water was added to the reactant, however, it resulted in increased rates of methanol and hydrocarbon generation. Water is believed to participate in the methanol synthesis and to replenish surface OH groups.