CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst for High-Performance Conversion of Carbon Monoxide under High Gas Loads

Abstract

A high-copper CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst was synthesized by the oxalate technique. The catalyst prepared in this manner was distinguished by a narrow mesopore size distribution (3.5–8.5 nm) as well as by well-developed specific and active surface areas (140 and 95 m²/g, respectively). Its catalytic activity and selectivity were tested in a flow-type setup under near-industrial process conditions. A variety of characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and chemisorption analysis were used to identify the composition and physicochemical properties of the catalyst. The data obtained demonstrate the catalyst’s high performance in processing CO-rich gas mixtures. An investigation of the process selectivity at 210°C showed that methanol is the predominant byproduct and that its concentration correlates with the CO concentration in the gas feed. In terms of catalytic performance, the synthesized catalyst is comparable to its available commercial counterparts.