Synthesis and Properties of Mesoporous Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation

A series of catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide to dimethyl ether were synthesized by depositing ZnGa2O4 spinel on mesoporous aluminosilicate materials, specifically MCM-41 and SBA-15. The samples were tested at 200°C and 2.7 MPa and characterized by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray diffraction, ammonia temperature-programmed desorption, and scanning electron microscopy. CO2 conversion reached 17% and did not depend on the support’s pore size but was governed solely by the oxide component type. Dimethyl ether selectivity correlated directly with support acidity.