Work

UiO-66-Ce derived cerium oxide supported Cu/ZnO methanol synthesis catalysts: optimization of interfacial sites and oxygen vacancy for CO2 activation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol represents a sustainable route for mitigating carbon emissions while generating value-added fuels and chemical feedstocks. In this work, Cu/ZnO catalysts supported on UiO-66-Ce derived oxide frameworks were synthesized via urea hydrolysis. The UiO-66-Ce derived support provided a favorable support for anchoring Cu and ZnOx particles, as confirmed by XRD, TEM, CO2-TPD, and XPS characterizations. Catalytic activity tests revealed that CuZn0.5@UiO-66 achieved the highest space time yield (STY) of 373.4 gMeOH·kgcat-1·h-1 at 220 °C and 40 bar. Long-term test over 150 hours confirmed its remarkable catalytic stability. The excellent performance is attributed to finely dispersed Cu species and enhanced metal–support interactions due to Zn incorporation, as well as large amount of oxygen vacancies due to the MOF-derived support. This study highlights the potential application of MOFs as catalyst supports for efficient CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.

Source: Fuel

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2026.139325

Authors: Abinavnataraj Ramakrishnan, Sachin M. Chavan, Wakshum Mekonnen Tucho, Zhixin Yu

Institution: University of Stavanger

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330