The Cu-ZnO Synergy in Methanol Synthesis: Origin of Active Site Explained By Experimental Studies and a Sphere Contact Quantification Model on Cu+ZnO Mechanical Mixtures

Cu-ZnO based catalysts are important for the hydrogenation of CO₂ in Methanol. Here, the catalyst activity is correlated to the number of contact between Cu and ZnO particles using mathematical model. The structure-activity relationships highlighted in this work opens a way to the rational design of ideal structures of catalysts.