Influence of Microwave Irradiation on Precursor Microstructure and Catalytic Performance of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 for Slurry Methanol Synthesis

Microwave irradiation was used in the aging process for the preparation of the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst precursor, and the effect of aging temperature on the catalyst precursor structure and catalytic properties for slurry methanol synthesis was studied. The characterization by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, derivative thermogravimetry, H-2 temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and particle size analysis showed that the microwave irradiation during the aging process promoted the substitution of Zn2+ in Zn-5(CO3)(2)(OH)(6) compound by Cu2+ and increased the content of (Cu,Zn)(5)(CO3)(2)(OH)(6) phase in the precursor. The calcined catalyst had strong interaction between CuO and ZnO, well dispersed CuO crystal particles, and high surface CuO content. The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst aged at 80 under microwave irradiation exhibited the highest methanol space-time yield (STY) and more stable catalytic activity. Compared with the catalyst prepared without microwave irradiation, the methanol STY and deactivation rate of the catalyst aged at 80 degrees C under microwave irradiation were increased and decreased by 10.1% and 31.2%, respectively.