The Important Role of Alloy–Oxide Interfaces in Controlling Methanol Formation in CO 2 Hydrogenation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide A series of PdZn/TiO 2 catalysts prepared by chemical vapor impregnation (CVI) were tested for CO 2 hydrogenation at 20 bar pressure and at temperatures of 230–270 °C. Changing the Pd and Zn molar ratio (Zn:Pd = 0–20) in a PdZn/TiO 2 catalyst has a dramatic effect on selectivity for the CO 2 hydrogenation reaction. Pd alone shows three main products: methanol, CO, and methane. Addition of small quantities of Zn results in the formation of a PdZn alloy, preventing methanation. At equimolar ratios of Pd and Zn, a 1:1 β-PdZn alloy is formed and a reverse water gas shift catalyst is produced. Adding Zn in excess relative to the Pd loading results in the formation of ZnO on the TiO 2 surface in addition to the PdZn alloy, dramatically increasing methanol selectivity from 5% at Zn:Pd = 1 to 55% for Zn:Pd = 2. Through a combination of theory and experiment, the active site for methanol synthesis is concluded to be the interface between PdZn nanoparticles and the ZnO overlayer on the TiO 2, where interfacial formate can react with hydrogen dissociated by the metal nanoparticle.
Source: ACS Catalysis
Authors: Naomi Lawes, Igor Kowalec, Sofia Mediavilla-Madrigal, Kieran J. Aggett, Louise R. Smith, Malcolm Dearg, Thomas J. A. Slater, Eimear McCarthy, Herzain I. Rivera-Arrieta, Matthias Scheffler, David J. Morgan, David J. Willock, Andrew M. Beale, Andrew J. Logsdail, Nicholas F. Dummer, Michael Bowker, C. Richard A. Catlow, Stuart H. Taylor, Graham J. Hutchings
Language: English
Subfield: Catalysis
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funders: Diamond Light Source, UK Research and Innovation, University College London, Met Office, Cardiff University, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, UK Catalysis Hub, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, European Regional Development Fund
Awards: G1278519414, G1358014364, G1626821369, G1841858939, Parallel-screening equipment for advanced catalyst testing and process intensification, G276469594, G2836061638, G2984190673, G3011859753, The Materials and Molecular Modelling Hub, GW4 Tier 2 HPC Centre for Advanced Architectures, G3242391180, G3358837262, G3442159945, G4254701768, G4407931831, HIGH END COMPUTING MATERIALS CHEMISTRY CONSORTIUM, The UK Catalysis Hub - 'Science': 1 - Optimising, predicting and designing new Catalysts, G6659993949, G7020776958, G7679617292, Flexible Routes to Liquid Fuels from CO2 by Advanced Catalysis and Engineering, G8626725338, New trimetallic nanoparticles as catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide to renewable fuels, G8890026121, The UK Catalysis Hub -'Core', G90098195, G996491201
OpenAlex ID: W7123358428