Green synthesis of methanol over zeolite based Cu nano -catalysts, effect of Mg promoter

Zeolite based nano-catalysts with 5 wt % Cu were synthesized by precipitation method. In order to assess the role of Mg as catalyst promoter, the synthesized nano-catalysts were doped with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 wt % of Mg. Different analytical techniques were employed to investigate the physicochemical profile of the promoted nano- catalysts. Thermal stability of the promoted nano-catalysts was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). X- ray diffraction studies revealed a very fine crystalline nature of the promoted nano-catalysts. Morphological investigations performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showcased well dispersed Cu, Mg bimetallic particles over the zeolite support. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis displayed the pro- moting role of Mg by recording increase in BET surface area as consequent of Mg addition to the Cu based zeolite nano-catalysts. Activity of the promoted nano-catalysts for pure CO2 hydrogenation was evaluated in slurry reactor. Activity studies of the promoted nano-catalysts demonstrated rise in methanol synthesis rate by incre- menting the Mg loadings to the Cu based zeolite nano-catalysts. The structure activity relationship revealed BET surface area as a main parameter controlling the rate of methanol synthesis reaction.