Study on Rh-ZnO/MWNTs catalyst for methanol synthesis

Abstract

A novel catalyst for methanol synthesis, ZnO-promoted rhodium supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes(MWNTs), was developed. As Rh content in catalyst is 4% (w), the catalyst has higher specific surfafic area of 99.6m(2) (.) g(-1) and activation energy of 68.8 kJ (.) mol(-1). The highest catalytic activity of CH3OH, 411.4 mg/gcat (.) h, can be obtained at 563 K and under 1 MPa (Table 1.). The results of TEM, TPR and TPD showed that MWNTs can enhance the dispersion degree of Rh on the catalyst surface, increase the reduction temperature of the catalyst and the adsorption capacity of hydrogen species. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the synthergistic action of reaction components and the nature of catalytic activity center in the catalyst.