Synthesis of Ni5Ga3 catalyst by Hydrotalcite-like compound (HTlc) precursors for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol

•Highly pure Ni5Ga3 was synthesized via Hydrotalcite-like compound precursor.•The method was highly selective to synthesize Ni5Ga3 bimetallic catalyst.•The precursor structure was crucial for the reduced Ni5Ga3 structure.•The as-prepared catalysts exhibited high methanol selectivity.