Spatially Resolved Reaction Profiles of CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol Using In-Based Catalysts in a Compact Profile Reactor

Abstract

The compact profile reactor (CPR) design allows for the simultaneous acquisition of species, temperature, and spatially resolved reaction profiles during high-pressure CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. Indium-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation have attracted significant scientific interest since they are more selective, efficient, and resistant to deactivation compared to the state-of-the-art copper-based catalyst. In this study, the reaction profile of In2O3/ZrO2 catalysts is compared to that of the state-of-the-art Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 (CZA) catalyst in a high-pressure CPR. It is demonstrated that the addition of nickel as a promoter significantly enhanced the catalytic activity of pure In2O3/ZrO2. The characterization by H2 TPR and CO2 TPD revealed an increased capacity for both hydrogen and CO2. A detailed comparison and optimization of reaction conditions using Ni-In2O3/ZrO2 as a catalyst are presented. In an optimized experiment, Ni-In2O3/ZrO2 produces 4.90 gMeOH gIn+Ni-1 h-1 at 275 °C, 50 bar, and 63,000 h-1with a methanol selectivity of 73%. Furthermore, no catalyst deactivation caused by metal leaching or sintering could be observed over 90 h time on stream.