Methanol Synthesis Using Copper Catalysts Supported on CeO2−Al2O3 Mixed Oxide

Abstract

Results are given for a study of the catalytic and physicochemical properties of monometallic Cu/CeO₂-Al₂O₃ and bimetallic Pd-Cu/CeO₂-Al₂O₃ catalysts for the synthesis of methanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The catalytic activity was determined in methanol synthesis in a gradientless reactor at 200°C and 3.5 MPa. The physicochemical properties of these catalytic systems were studied by the BET method (Brunauer−Emmett− Teller method), temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen (TPR-H₂), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD-NH₃), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR). Our results showed high activity for the palladium-promoted catalyst, which is attributed to a synergistic effect between palladium and copper as well as the formation of a PdCu alloy during activation of this bimetallic catalyst in a reducing atmosphere of 5% H₂ 95% Ar.