Direct Conversion of Metal Carbonates and Bicarbonates to Methanol Over a Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 Catalyst
Abstract
The utilization of metal carbonates to produce directly valuable carbon feedstocks remains a major challenge, particularly under mild operating conditions. Herein, we report the elusive conversion of inorganic metal carbonates, such as sodium and potassium carbonates, to methanol in a one‐step process with molecular hydrogen over a heterogeneous Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst. The hydrogenation occurs effectively at a relatively mild temperature of 200°C and proceeds in presence of ethylene glycol in the liquid phase with methanol yields of up to 95%. Alkali carbonates/bicarbonate salts obtained by capturing CO 2 from ambient air (Direct Air Capture, DAC) and flue gas CO 2 with aqueous alkali media also undergo facile hydrogenation to methanol.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis
Catalysts for Methane Reforming
Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ChemSusChem
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- e70665–e70665
- Publication date
- 26 April 2026
- Language
- EN