Application of Intermetallic Compounds as Catalysts for the Selective Hydrogenation of CO₂ to Methanol

Abstract

Direct catalytic conversion of CO2 to methanol via renewable hydrogen has emerged as a promising technology among the various CO2 conversion techniques. However, efficient hydrogenation of CO2 using conventional Cu‐ZnO‐based catalysts, which are currently used for industrial methanol production from synthesis gas, remains a challenge due to inefficient energy conversion, poor stability and sluggish CO2 conversion kinetics. As the catalytic activity, stability and methanol selectivity of conventional Cu/ZnO catalysts are still insufficient for industrial applications, novel catalyst formulations using transition metals/metal oxides and supported noble metal nanostructures have emerged. Among them, intermetallic compounds are being explored for their unique electronic and crystalline structures, which can be can be tailored by controlled, precise, and seamless tuning of interatomic distances, specific arrangements and electronic structure to enhance their stability and activity for the selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. In this context, intermetallic catalysts containing Pd, Cu and Ni combined with metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Ga2O3, In2O3, etc.) have been shown to be more effective than the classical Cu‐ZnO‐Al2O3. This review analyses the progress made in the study of these intermetallic catalysts by analysing different aspects of their preparation, characterisation, effects of promoters, support interactions, etc.

Facile Thermodynamically Controlled Synthesis of Intermetallic Zn1–xPdx/Al2O3 and Its Methanol Steam Reforming Properties

“…Various methods have been developed for the synthesis of supported materials (see, e.g., ref ). Using widespread co- or subsequent impregnation requires careful consideration to bring both metals to the same location and with targeted ratios.…”