Enhanced performance of Cu-based perovskite catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol

Abstract

The direct catalytic synthesis of methanol from CO₂ and H₂ has emerged as a significant area of research for the high-value utilization of CO₂. Cu-based catalysts have attracted considerable attention due to their cost-effectiveness and superior performance. In this study, we developed a novel catalyst, LMCZ-181, derived from the perovskite-type precursor La₂CuO₄ through a citrate complexation method. The findings revealed that doping with Mn and Zn modified the catalyst’s crystal structure by increasing oxygen vacancies and promoting the formation of active sites, consequently enhancing catalytic activity. The results of In-situ DRIFTS demonstrated that these catalysts facilitated CO₂ hydrogenation via the formate pathway and confirmed that LMCZ-181 possessed superior hydrogenation capability. At an operating temperature of 270°C, LMCZ-181 exhibited optimal catalytic activity and stability, achieving a CO₂ conversion of 20.81 % and a methanol selectivity of 77.68 %. This study provides an effective strategy for developing highly active and stable catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation for methanol production.