Enhancing the performance of Cu catalysts for the reverse water-gas shift reaction using N-doped CNT-ZnO composite as support

The reverse water-gas shift reaction (RWGS) allows the conversion of CO2 to CO which, mixed with H-2, forms syngas, the feedstock of most chemicals and synthetic fuels production. Consequently, it is crucial to develop efficient catalysts for this reaction. To further the development of RWGS catalysts, Cu-based catalysts supported on pristine CNTs and on composites of pristine and functionalized CNTs : ZnO were prepared. ZnO's presence in the catalyst's structure proved to be beneficial, as the CO2 conversion and CO yield reached 49.0% whereas the catalysts supported on pristine CNTs only achieved a CO2 conversion and CO yield of 17.6%, at a temperature of 600 degrees C. The N-doping of CNTs further improved the CO2 conversion and CO yield to 54.8%, remaining stable at least for 93 h.

Automated summary

The reverse water-gas shift reaction (RWGS) is crucial for converting CO2 to CO, which is used for the production of various chemicals and synthetic fuels. In this study, Cu-based catalysts supported on pristine CNTs and composites of pristine and functionalized CNTs : ZnO were prepared to enhance the efficiency of RWGS catalysts. The presence of ZnO in the catalyst structure proved to be beneficial, resulting in a higher CO2 conversion and CO yield compared to catalysts supported on pristine CNTs. Additionally, the N-doping of CNTs further improved the CO2 conversion and CO yield, with stability observed for at least 93 hours.