Spatially Resolved Reaction Profiles of CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation to Methanol Using In-Based Catalysts in a Compact Profile Reactor
Philipp Kampe, Nick Herrmann, Charlotte Ruhmlieb, Maik Finsel, Oliver Korup, Raimund Horn, Jakob Albert
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The compact profile reactor (CPR) design allows for the simultaneous acquisition of species, temperature, and spatially resolved reaction profiles during high-pressure CO 2 hydrogenation to methanol. Indium-based catalysts for CO 2 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 In 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 catalysts is compared to that of the state-of-the-art Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (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 In 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 . The characterization by H 2 TPR and CO 2 TPD revealed an increased capacity for both hydrogen and CO 2 . A detailed comparison and optimization of reaction conditions using Ni–In 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 as a catalyst are presented. In an optimized experiment, Ni–In 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 produces 4.90 g MeOH g In+Ni –1 h –1 at 275 °C, 50 bar, and 63,000 h –1 with a methanol selectivity of 73%. Furthermore, no catalyst deactivation caused by metal leaching or sintering could be observed over 90 h time on stream.