PREPARATION OF STABILIZED COPPER-RARE EARTH OXIDE CATALYSTS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF METHANOL FROM SYNGAS

The preparation and the optimization of new copper catalysts for methanol synthesis are described. The catalysts were prepared using a definite La2Zr2O7 support; the preparation of which is also described. In presence of carbon dioxide and water, Cu/La2O3 catalysts are quickly deactivated by the formation of lanthanum carbonates and hydroxycarbonates. However, the formation of these species can be prevented by incorporating La2O3 in a stable LaZr2O7 pyrochlore. After optimization, up to 600 g methanol g(cat)(-l)h(-l) can be produced over the Cu/La2Zr2O7 catalysts. The particular chemical properties of these catalysts allow them to be used with CO-H-2, CO-CO2-H-2 and CO2-H-2 feeds.