Slurry Phase Hydrogenation of CO 2 to Methanol Using Supported In 2 O 3 Catalysts as Promising Approach for Chemical Energy Storage

A promising approach for chemical energy storage from fluctuating renewable electricity is methanol synthesis from CO 2 and hydrogen in a slurry reactor concept, due to efficient heat storage and easy reactor control. In combination with a promising In 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 catalyst and mineral oil as carrier liquid, efficient methanol production under a wide range of changing process conditions is shown for the first time. A maximum methanol productivity of 2.1 g MeOH g In −1 h −1 and multiple recycling stability of the catalyst and the carrier liquid was achieved, showing no significant decrease in methanol yields.