Morphology-Dependent Interactions of ZnO with Cu Nanoparticles at the Materials' Interface in Selective Hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH

摘要

In recent years, carbon dioxide (CO2) has become the focus of much attention because of the position of CO2 as the primary greenhouse gas and the implication of its emissions on the problem of climate change. Various sequestration technologies for CO2 abatement are being considered. It has been recently demonstrated that hydrogen gas can be manufactured on large scales from renewable sources, including solar energy, hydropower, and biomass. Thus, complete or partial recycling of CO2 through its hydrogenation to high-energy-density liquid fuels appears to be a very attractive approach. As a result, catalytic CO2 hydrogenation reactions to methanol, higher alcohols, gasoline, and related higher hydrocarbons (Fischer-Tropsch-like reactions) have been receiving much renewed attention. Particularly, the focus is on the production of methanol, which is a key platform chemical for present fuel and chemical infrastructures. A recent assessment of economic feasibility for this new green process supports the possibility.