Development and application of nanocatalysts for processing synthesis gas into methanol

This article presents a study on the development and improvement of nanoscale heterogeneous nanocatalysts based on copper and zinc oxide for the subsequent processing of synthesis gas into methanol. An analytical review of modern types of nanocatalysts is presented, general information about the types of nanocatalysts for methanol production is provided, a patent search is performed, methodological approaches to the development of new and improvement of existing nanocatalysts are substantiated. The results of laboratory studies related to the creation of structures of new types of nanocatalysts are presented, their optimal composition is justified and computer modeling using the "Material Studio" program is carried out. Modifications of nanocatalyst matrices, promoters, and Cu/Zn ratios in catalysts have been investigated. The mechanism of chemical reactions occurring on the surface of metal nanoparticles during the production of methanol from synthesis gas is described, the process of adsorption of CO on the surface of copper nanoparticles is modeled, the process of separation and production of methanol is shown, the activation energy of the chemical reactions occurring is calculated. Models have been developed for: nanoparticles based on Cu and ZnO; adsorption of CO on the surface of nanoparticles; addition of hydrogen to the surface of nanoparticles; production of methanol on the surface of nanoparticles with the calculation of the activation energy of chemical reactions on the surface of nanoparticles. A technological scheme for the production of methanol using a nanostructured bimetallic catalyst has been developed. It is shown that the obtained nanocatalysts based on Cu and ZnO have optimal catalytic properties for laboratory experiments.