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A comparative study of methanol synthesis from CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] and CO/H[sub 2] over a Cu/ZnO/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalyst

Journal Article · · Journal of Catalysis; (United States)
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Pohang Univ. of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang (Korea, Republic of) Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST), Pohang (Korea, Republic of)

Methanol synthesis from CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] and CO/H[sub 2] has been compared over a Cu/ZnO/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalyst. Methanol synthesis was much faster with CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] than with CO/H[sub 2], particularly at low temperatures. A trace amount of CO[sub 2] improved the rates significantly. Thus it appeared that CO[sub 2] was the primary source of methanol with CO/CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] feed. When space velocities were varied, both the previously conflicting observations on the effect of CO[sub 2]/CO composition, i.e., monotonical increase in synthesis rate vs the presence of a maximum rate as CO[sub 2] concentration increased, were observed. The different conversion levels and consequent difference in surface oxygen coverage and/or water appeared to be responsible for the different effects. The more oxidized surface state of copper obtained for CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] was more active and stable in methanol synthesis than the overreduced surface obtained for the CO/H[sub 2] feed. Due to the promotional and inhibition effects of water for CO/H[sub 2] and CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] feeds, respectively, higher space velocities yielded higher synthesis rates for CO[sub 2]/H[sub 2] and the opposite effect was observed for the CO/H[sub 2]feed. 30 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab.

OSTI ID:
5223887
Journal Information:
Journal of Catalysis; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Catalysis; (United States) Vol. 144:2; ISSN 0021-9517; ISSN JCTLA5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English