Amann, P., Klötzer, B., Degerman, D., Köpfle, N., Götsch, T., Lömker, P., Rameshan, C., Ploner, K., Bikaljevic, D., Wang, H.-Y., Soldemo, M., Shipilin, M., Goodwin, C. M., Gladh, J., Halldin Stenlid, J., Börner, M., Schlueter, C., & Nilsson, A. (2022). The state of zinc in methanol synthesis over a Zn/ZnO/Cu(211) model catalyst. Science, 376(6593), 603–608. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abj7747
The active chemical state of zinc (Zn) in a zinc-copper (Zn-Cu) catalyst during carbon dioxide/carbon
monoxide (CO 2/CO) hydrogenation has been debated to be Zn oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, metallic Zn,
or a Zn-Cu surface alloy. We used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at 180 to 500 millibar to probe
the nature of Zn and reaction intermediates during CO2 /CO hydrogenation over Zn/ZnO/Cu(211),
where the temperature is sufficiently high for the reaction to rapidly turn over, thus creating an almost
adsorbate-free surface. Tuning of the grazing incidence angle makes it possible to achieve either
surface or bulk sensitivity. Hydrogenation of CO 2 gives preference to ZnO in the form of clusters or
nanoparticles, whereas in pure CO a surface Zn-Cu alloy becomes more prominent. The results reveal
a specific role of CO in the formation of the Zn-Cu surface alloy as an active phase that facilitates
efficient CO2 methanol synthesis
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Research Areas:
Climate Neutral, Renewable and Conventional Energy Supply Systems: 20% Materials Characterization: 50% Surfaces and Interfaces: 30%
