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 metha nol synthesis are described. The catalysts were prepared using a defin ite La2Zr2O7 support; the preparation of which is also described. In p resence of carbon dioxide and water, Cu/La2O3 catalysts are quickly de activated by the formation of lanthanum carbonates and hydroxycarbonat es. However, the formation of these species can be prevented by incorp orating La2O3 in a stable LaZr2O7 pyrochlore. After optimization, up t o 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.