New Catalyst Boosts CO₂‑to‑Methanol Conversion Threefold

A research team at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) has created a novel catalyst that markedly improves the conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol. The catalyst combines copper, zinc and zirconium, arranging CO₂ and hydrogen reactions at separate active sites, which suppresses the unwanted reverse water‑gas‑shift reaction that generates carbon monoxide.

Under test conditions of 300 °C and 30 bar, the catalyst achieved a space‑time yield of 1.2 g of methanol per gram of catalyst per hour—approximately three times higher than that of conventional commercial Cu/Zn/Al catalysts. By directing CO₂ to zirconium‑oxide sites and hydrogen to copper sites, the process favors the formate pathway, increasing methanol output while reducing carbon monoxide by‑product.

The findings were published in the journal *Chem* and suggest a more efficient route for industrial methanol production, enhancing the potential for carbon recycling and reducing reliance on fossil‑derived feedstocks.