Core-shell silica@Cu(x)ZnAl LDH catalysts for efficient CO(2) hydrogenation to methanol

The efficient production of methanol by reduction of CO(2) using green hydrogen is a promising strategy from both a green chemistry and a carbon net zero perspective. Herein, we report the synthesis of well-dispersed core-shell catalyst precursors using silica@Cu(x)ZnAl-LDHs that can convert CO(2) to methanol. The catalyst precursors can be formed using either a commercially available silica (ES757) or a mesoporous silica (e.g. MCM-48). These hybrid materials show significantly enhanced catalytic performance compared to the equivalent unsupported Cu(x)ZnAl LDH precursor. Space-time yields of up to 0.7 g(MeOH) g(cat)(-1) h(-1) under mild operating conditions were observed.