Highly efficient Cu/anatase TiO 2 {001}-nanosheets catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO 2

•Catalysts with the TiO2 nanosheets as support performed pretty high catalytic activity toward methanol synthesis from CO2.•Higher dispersion of Cu is beneficial for higher methanol yield.•Calcination of Cu/TiO2-ns will induce the penetration of Cu2+ into the network of TiO2-ns and then promote the generation of Ti3+ in TiO2-ns.•Adequate amounts of Ti3+ in TiO2-ns facilitate the activation and conversion of CO2.