Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance of Cu nanowire catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation

Pure Cu nanowires as catalyst were prepared by electrochemical deposition and were used in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. The active sites of the Cu based catalyst were discussed. The performance and structural development of the catalyst were observed during CO2 hydrogenation. A mechanism for the deactivation of the catalyst was discussed. The key factors that affect the deactivation of the catalyst were found. Cu nanowire sample was characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, and BET. The results show that Cu nanowires have very high sintering resistance and catalytic stability. This helps to develop high performance catalysts. The changes in the grain size, SEM morphology and catalytic properties of the sample during CO2 hydrogenation show that the migration of the Cu atoms on the surface of the Cu nanowires can occur. Continuous migration of Cu atoms and sintering of Cu grains can lead to flow blockage in gas channels. The gas channel flow blockage or the sintering of Cu grains can lead to deactivation of the catalyst. However, the shape of catalytic performance curve indicates that the main reason for the deactivation of the catalyst is the gas channel flow blockage.