NOVEL CATALYTIC MATERIALS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF CO2: TUNNING ACTIVITY AND SELECTIVITY AT THE METAL-OXIDE AND METAL-CARBIDE INTERFACES

摘要

This talk will discuss new approaches for the preparation of highly active catalysts for the activation of CO2 and its conversion to CO or methanol. Methanol is a key commodity used to produce acetic acid, formaldehyde, and a number of key chemical intermediates. It is synthesized industrially from mixtures of H2, CO2, and CO at elevated pressures (50 to 100 arm) and temperatures (450 to 600K) with a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. Of particular interest is the synthesis of methanol from CO2 not only as a way to mitigate this greenhouse gas but also because of the potential use of CO2 as an alternative and economical feedstock.