The active sites of Cu/ZnO‐based catalysts, commercially applied for the hydrogenation of CO2 or CO2‐rich synthesis gas, are still subject of current debates. Generally, the discussion is focused on the nature of the interfacial contact between Cu and ZnO, particularly whether it is rather of oxidic (Cu−ZnO) or alloying (Cu−Zn) character. We report on kinetic investigations on a Cu/ZnO : Al high performance catalyst activated at different temperatures. Incrementally increasing temperature under reductive conditions leads also to increased CuZn‐alloy formation, analyzed by in‐situ X‐ray diffraction, in‐situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The combination of the catalytic data and the complementary characterization techniques provide valuable insights on the relevant reaction sites for CH3OH formation. Our results highlight the complexity of the interfacial contact with evidence for Cu−ZnO reaction sites and clarify the negative impact of CuZn alloy formation on the nature of the active site.

No abstract

 Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research.  You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain  You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.

ature, time) might yield to a maximum of kinetically stabilized high energy surfaces without phase separation and the most active catalyst.