Significant low-temperature activity of tetragonal type ZrO2-supported Ru catalysts for CO2 methanation

Conversion of CO2 with H2 to CH4 is a potential route for the utilization of CO2. Because CO2 methanation is an exothermic reaction, the equilibrium yield decreases with increasing temperature. A catalyst that exhibits high activity at low temperatures is thus highly desirable. We report here that a tetragonal-type ZrO2-supported Ru catalyst prepared by low-temperature calcination showed significant low-temperature activity for CO2 methanation. We surmise that an intermediate formate species formed over the tetragonal-type ZrO2 and enhanced the catalytic activity.