Synthesis and Characterization of Double-Promoted Copper-Based Catalysts for CO₂ Hydrogenation into Fuels

Abstract

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2into fuels and chemicals is regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to reduce the concentration of CO2in the atmosphere. In this study, double-promoted Cu/ZnO catalysts were prepared on Al2O3and CNTs supports via impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by XPS, TEM, N2adsorption, H2-TPR and CO2-TPD analyses. Introduction of Nb and Zr promoters into the Cu-based catalysts on CNTs support resulted in smaller Cu nanoparticles and improved reducibility compared to those of the Al2O3-supported catalyst. The catalyst activity was evaluated in a fixed-bed stainless steel reactor operated at 22.5 bar and 523K. Conversion of CO2higher than 20% was achieved and product distribution was influenced by the type of catalyst supports.