Reverse Microemulsion-Synthesized High-Surface-Area Cu/?-Al2O3 Catalyst for CO2 Conversion via Reverse Water Gas Shift

Reverse microemulsion method was implemented to synthesize a CuO/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst (18 wt % Cu) with a specific Catalytic performance was evaluated in the range of temperatures and space velocities (300-600 degrees C and 10,000-200,000 mL/(g h)). The catalyst was 100% selective to CO generation while attaining a nearly equilibrium CO2 conversion at 500 degrees C (ca. 50% at 10,000 mL/(g h) and H2/CO2 = 4). Despite the initial reduction of surface area under the reaction conditions, the reduced Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated a stable performance for 80 h on stream, attaining a nearly equilibrium CO2 conversion at 600 degrees C (ca. 60% at 60,000 mL/(g h) and H2/CO2 = 4). The selectivity to CO generation remained complete during the stability test, and no significant carbon deposition was detected.

Automated summary

A CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was synthesized using the reverse microemulsion method and its catalytic performance was evaluated at various temperatures and space velocities. The catalyst showed high selectivity towards CO generation and achieved near equilibrium CO2 conversion rates. After 80 hours of continuous reaction, the catalyst maintained stable performance with no significant carbon deposition.