A Study of Methyl Formate Production from Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation in Methanol over a Copper Zinc Oxide Catalyst

摘要

Abstract A preliminary study of the production of methyl formate (MF) from CO₂ hydrogenation in liquid methanol was carried out over a Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ based catalyst which was synthesized by a precipitation technique following a well established route. The effects of amine concentration, hydrogen pressure, temperature, CO and water addition on the activity and selectivity of MF were investigated. It is of interest to note that the addition of 1% trimethylamine can dramatically increase the initial turnover frequency with the MF being the major product. It is evident that the formation of CO₂-amine adduct promotes the catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ on the surface of the catalyst.