In 2 O 3 -CNT catalysts enable >500-hour stable CO 2 -to-methanol hydrogenation via vacancy stabilization

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Authors: Lei Zhang, Yuxiang Yang, Hao Yan, Xinlei Ji, Hua An, Jianyu Rao, Yixuan Zhou, Chang-jun Liu, Xi Chen, Ning Yan
Cited by: 6
References: 60

Abstract

Indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ) is a promising catalyst for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) hydrogenation to methanol but suffers from rapid deactivation due to localized over-reduction of surface In 3+ species into inactive metallic In 0 near hydrogen (H 2 ) activation sites. Here, we exploit a proton-electron dual-transfer mechanism through a physically integrated In 2 O 3 -carbon nanotube (In 2 O 3 -CNT) system, achieving simultaneous enhancement of catalytic performance and durability. The optimal In 2 O 3 -CNT system gives the highest methanol production rate of 1250.6 grams kilograms In2O3 −1 hour −1 at 320°C. Particularly, the hybrid system maintains catalytic stability for >500 hours, representing the highest durability among reported In 2 O 3 catalysts. Mechanistic studies and multiple characterization techniques reveal that the conductive CNT network regulates surface redox dynamics by facilitating electron transfer and redistribution. This process promotes the formation of oxygen vacancies for CO 2 activation while preventing localized electron accumulation and In 0 segregation. The CNT-mediated redox modulation stabilizes a dynamic InO x surface phase by balancing H 2 -induced reduction and CO 2 -driven oxidation, thereby sustaining catalytic activity over extended operation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts Catalysts for Methane Reforming Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
12
Pages
eaea7041–eaea7041
Publication date
20 March 2026
Language
EN