Fabrication Method-Engineered Cu-ZnO/SiO2 Catalysts with Highly Dispersed Metal Nanoparticles toward Efficient Utilization of Methanol as a Hydrogen Carrier

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and methanol steam reforming (MSR) are regarded as two critical reactions for transportation and on-site production of hydrogen, but it still lacks of efficient catalysts for both reactions. Herein, the CuZnSi-ammonia evaporation method (AEM) catalyst prepared by AEM with extremely low metal loading and highly dispersed Cu/Zn species, in particular, high concentration of Cu+ species, exhibits an optimum space-time yield of methanol (1888.3gkg(Cu)(-1)h(-1)) and an exceptional specific activity of 282.6molCO2kg(Cu)(-1)h(-1), which is higher than a majority of the reported catalysts. Furthermore, the CuZnSi-AEM catalyst is also active for MSR reaction with low CO selectivity. The results reveal that the morphology, exposed Cu+ species, and synergistic Cu-ZnOx interaction are the key guiding factors for the successful utilization of methanol as a hydrogen carrier.