Reaction-driven surface reconstruction of ZnAl2O4 boosts the methanol selectivity in CO2 catalytic hydrogenation

Identifying the surface structure of heterogeneous catalysts is critical for understanding active sites, but it remains challenging due to difficulty in characterizing catalytic surfaces especially at elevated temperatures. Zn-based are high-efficiency alternatives high-temperature methanol synthesis from CO2, as well bifunctional hydrocarbons synthesis. Herein, reconstruction ZnAl2O4 spinel during CO2 hydrogenation reaction was investigated using detailed spectroscopic characterization. The results indicate that reaction-driven leads formation amorphous ZnO on surface, which accompanied by increasing activity production. Kinetic analysis, STEM and situ FTIR boosts rate promoting activation H2. This study provides useful insight into structure-activity relationship zinc-based future design new catalysts.