Copper-supported catalysts in methanol synthesis and water gas shift reaction

The comparative studies of physicochemical properties of Cu-support catalysts (support = ZnO, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, ZnAl₂O₄, FeAlO₃, or CrAl₃O₆) and their catalytic activity in methanol synthesis and water gas shift reaction were the main goal of this work. The promotion effect of copper addition in both reaction was proved. The formation of spinel type structure CuCr₂O₄, ZnAl₂O₄ and binary oxide CrAl₃O₆, FeAlO₃ during calcination process was confirmed by XRD technique. Results showed that 20% Cu/FeAlO₃ had the best performance in water gas shift reaction. The best selective and active catalyst in methanol synthesis was 20% Cu/ZnAl₂O₄.