Optimizing CuO‐Based Catalysts for High‐Efficiency CO2 Conversion: Enhanced ROH Selectivity via Coprecipitation

Abstract In addressing the critical challenge of mitigating greenhouse emissions, the conversion of CO 2 using cost‐effective and abundant CuO‐based catalysts emerges as a pivotal strategy. This study explores the enhancement of CO 2 conversion using cost‐effective CuO‐based catalysts synthesized via coprecipitation. Through comprehensive characterizations, including XRD, BET, ICP‐MS, SEM, EDS, and XPS, we investigated the physicochemical properties of synthesized CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalysts. The addition of NH 3 significantly enhanced the dispersion, catalyst–support interactions, and surface basicity of ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (1:1) + 5 wt.%CuO, resulting in a CO 2 conversion of 5.32 wt.% and an ROH selectivity of 0.19 wt.%. ROH selectivity increases in the following order ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (1:1) + 5 wt.%CuO < ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (3:2) + 5 wt.%CuO and ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (7:3) + 5 wt.%CuO < ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (4:1) + 5 wt.%CuO < ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (9:1) + 5 wt.%CuO. By optimizing the ZnO/Al 2 O 3 ratio, we observed a trend in increasing ROH selectivity, with peak performance achieved in ZnO/Al 2 O 3 (1:1) + 5 wt.%CuO. Notably, coprecipitation synthesis positively impacted catalytic performance and stability, underscoring the potential of these catalysts in sustainable CO 2 conversion technologies. This trend underscores the importance of fine‐tuning the ZnO/Al 2 O 3 ratio in maximizing ROH selectivity. This study reveals the significant potential of CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalysts, optimized through precise compositional adjustments and synthesis techniques, in advancing CO 2 conversion technologies. The findings underscore the critical role of innovative catalyst design in mitigating greenhouse emissions and pave the way for future research in this vital area.