Methanol synthesis with bimetallic CuNi nanoparticle catalysts was investigated during the CO2/H2 reaction. Cu-Ni nanoparticles were colloidally synthesized at two distinct particle sizes (2 and 10 nm) and characterized using an array of ex-situ techniques and in-situ probes. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in the scanning mode indicated the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles with Ni-rich shells and Cu-rich cores and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) indicated that Ni was partially oxidized while Cu was mostly metallic. Nanoparticles were studied employing ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) under redox and catalytically-relevant CO2/H2 reaction conditions. APXPS showed Ni enrichment in the surface regions corresponding to mean free paths of 300 eV photoelectrons under H2-reducing atmospheres and the hydrogenative synthesis conditions at 250 degree Celsius. Catalytically, Cu-Ni nanoparticle catalysts were about 30 % selective for the formation of methanol under 5.5 bar, with 3:1 excess of H2 and at 250 degree Celsius.

Hydrogenative CO<sub>2</sub> converison to methanol by bimetallic CuNi nanoparticles

244th National Meeting (2012)

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Hydrogenative CO2 converison to methanol by bimetallic CuNi nanoparticles

Hydrogenative CO₂ converison to methanol by bimetallic CuNi nanoparticles