Characterization of solid solutions composed of oxides of Cu,Zn, and Cr for methanol synthesis

Solid solutions of Cu₂O alone and Cu₂O with ZnO or Cr₂O₃ in ZnO · Cr₂O₃ as well as solid solutions of ZnO in Cu₂O · Cr₂O₃ have activities and selectivities for methanol synthesis comparable to solid solutions of Cu₂O in ZnO. Addition of a secondary phase to these solid solutions limits the grain growth and produces higher surface areas.