Abstract A study is performed of the catalytic properties of Cu–Zn catalysts on Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 supports (Acros) in the reaction of CO 2 hydrogenation to obtain methanol. A sample of 30Cu15Zn/Al 2 O 3 displays great selectivity toward methanol. A sample of 30Cu15Zn/SiO 2 has the highest methanol performance. The methanol performance of a sample of 10Cu5Zn/Al 2 O 3 is doubled when the pressure is raised from 10 to 30 atm, and a 94% increase in selectivity is observed. A sample of catalyst 10Cu5Zn/SiO 2 does not lose its activity after 10 h of a catalytic reaction, and its methanol performance grows with repeated use.