(363r) Strategic Design and Development of Cu-in Catalysts for High-Performance CO2 Hydrogenation

My research interest lies in the design of catalytic materials for heterogeneous reactions, encompassing both oxidation and hydrogenation processes. During my doctoral studies at the Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, I collaborated with BASF SE on the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene. In this project, I synthesized vanadium oxide catalysts with various promoters and investigated both catalytically and spectroscopically the melting effect on propylene selectivity (ChemCatChem 2024, 16, e202301242).

Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Thomas F. Jaramillo’s group at Stanford University, I am focusing on thermal heterogeneous catalysis to reduce CO₂ emissions and develop value-added chemicals and fuels. My work involves developing Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for electrochemical and thermochemical CO₂ activation and conversion. Additionally, I am collaborating with IHI, Japan, to discover ultra-stable Nickel-based materials for the formation of methane from CO₂.

In this poster presentation, I will showcase the design strategies for Cu-In catalysts for thermal CO₂ hydrogenation to produce CO, CH₄, CH₃OH, and hydrocarbons such as C₂H₆. This research aims to explore the intricate mechanisms of CO₂ hydrogenation, specifically investigating how the incorporation of Indium into Copper catalysts enhances catalytic performance and selectivity towards desirable products like methanol and hydrocarbons.

A significant aspect of this research is understanding the potassium effect and its influence on the catalytic behavior and product distribution of Cu-In catalysts. Potassium acts as a promoter, altering the electronic properties of the catalyst surface and facilitating CO₂ activation. By systematically varying potassium loading on Cu-In catalysts, I aim to elucidate its role in enhancing CO₂ conversion efficiency and shifting the product distribution towards higher-value chemicals.

Additionally, the choice of support material is crucial for the catalytic performance of Cu-In systems. Supports such as oxides (e.g., Al₂O₃, SiO₂, ZrO₂) significantly influence the surface acidity, dispersion of active metal sites, the adsorption properties of reactants, and the overall stability of the catalyst. By comparing the effects of various supports on Cu-In catalysts, this research seeks to identify optimal combinations that maximize CO₂ hydrogenation rates and improve selectivity towards target products.

Through a comprehensive study involving advanced characterization techniques such as TEM, XPS, and in-situ DRIFTS, this research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the synergistic effects between Cu, In, K, and support materials. The ultimate goal is to develop highly efficient and selective Cu-In catalysts for industrial CO₂ hydrogenation applications, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry and sustainable energy solutions.