Boosting the Catalytic Performance of CuOx in CO2 Hydrogenation by Incorporating CeO2 Promoters

Abstract

AbstractCopper is one of the most promising components in CO2 hydrogenation reactions, however, it still seriously suffers from the lower capability in CO2 activity, as well as poor durability. Herein, a novel copper‐cerium mixed metal oxide is fabricated via a controllable surface deposition route, showing excellent catalytic performance in CO2 hydrogenation. Of particular note, among the various samples with tunable Cu/Ce molar ratios, the obtained CuOx‐5CeO2 containing 0.42% Ce exhibits the highest catalytic activity with ≈31% CO2 conversion and 98% CO selectivity at 380 °C, as well as an excellent stability for 50 h. The as‐prepared catalysts are then characterized by H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction, CO2‐termperature programmed desorption, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy to explore the possible reaction pathways. The results indicate the significance of the interactions between CuOx and CeO2, which can facilitate the activation of H2 and CO2 simultaneously, to promote the formation of formate intermediates.