Study On Cu-based Catalysts For Methanol Synthesis From CO Hydrogenation

Methanol is an important chemical raw material and a potential fuel for automobile and fuel cell. There is a sustained interest in the research and discovery in methanol synthesis all over the world. Though the synthesis process had already been industrialized, there are still many drawbacks in this catalytic system such as low single-pass conversion of syngas feed (about 10 %), and the performance of catalysts needs to be improved further. Consequently, the research and development of new catalysts with high activity would be one of the key objectives for researchers.In this paper, the CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared and tested for methanol synthesis. Firstly, the preparation parameters of catalysts including ratio of Cu/Zn/Al in Cu-based catalysts, calcination temperature and heating rate of reduction temperature were extensively investigated. With characterizations of TPR, TPD, XRD and BET, the effects of different preparation conditions on the properties and adsorption-desorption performance of catalysts were discussed in detail. It was found that the catalysts calcined at 350℃and 400℃performed better in catalytic activity than those of catalysts calcined above 400℃. With the increase of calcination temperature, the particle size was increased, meanwhile, the surface area as well as the adsorption capacity to H2 and CO of catalysts decreased. It suggested that higher calcination temperature and faster heating rate of reduction temperature induced a sinter of catalysts, which was harmful for methanol synthesis.The Cu-based catalysts were prepared by glow discharge plasma with different atmospheres. Compared with the conventional catalysts, the catalysts prepared by...