Morphology‐Dependent Interactions of ZnO with Cu Nanoparticles at the Materials’ Interface in Selective Hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH

A good face: The (002) polar facet of platelike ZnO nanoparticles gives a much stronger electronic interaction with Cu nanoparticles than other facets (see picture; CB=conductance band; VB=valence band) and shows higher selectivity in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. This finding provides the basis for the rational design of new nanocatalysts for CO2 hydrogenation.