MOF-808 as Effective Support for Cu-Based Catalyst for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol

The thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol offers a promising route for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and producing valuable chemicals and fuels. In this study, copper–zinc bimetallic catalysts supported on a zirconium-based MOF-808 framework were synthesized via a facile deposition–precipitation method and compared to a conventional Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 (CZA) catalyst. MOF-808 was selected due to its high surface area and porous structure, which enhance metal dispersion. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 physisorption showed significant changes in surface area and pore structure after Cu-Zn incorporation and calcination. The 50-CuZn MOF-808 catalyst achieved the best catalytic performance at 260 °C and 40 bar, demonstrating a high STY of 193.32 gMeOH·Kgcat−1 h−1 and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 47.44 h−1, surpassing traditional CZA catalysts. The strong Cu-Zn-Zr interactions within the MOF-808 framework played a crucial role in promoting CO2 activation and methanol formation. This study underscores the potential of MOF-808-supported Cu-Zn catalysts as viable alternatives to traditional systems for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.