THERMOANALYTICAL STUDIES ON THE CATALYSTS OF LOW-PRESSURE METHANOL SYNTHESIS

DSC, DTA and TG analysis were performed on binary model systems CuO-Zn O, CuO-Al2O3, ternary model system CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 and commercial CuO-Zn O-Al2O3 catalyst for low pressure methanol synthesis. DSC study of CuO reduction in H-2 or CO atmosphere, combined with DTA and TG study of the subsequent reoxidation, enabled an insight into CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 inte ractions relevant for catalyst activation and stabilization. The resul ts obtained are in accordance with the data obtained for the catalyst of low pressure methanol synthesis by other sophisticated methods of p hysicochemical analysis.