Synergistic effect between In₂O₃ and ZrO₂ in the reverse water gas shift reaction

Efficient activation of CO₂ at low temperature was achieved through the interface effect between In₂O₃ and ZrO₂ by their geometric and electronic effects. The results show that 75In₂O₃-25ZrO₂ (In₂O₃ : ZrO₂ molar ratio of 3 : 1), as a catalyst for the reverse water gas shift reaction, can achieve 28% CO₂ conversion with 96% CO selectivity at 400 °C, 0.1 MPa, a H₂ : CO₂ molar ratio of 3 : 1 and a gas hourly space velocity of 10 000 mL g^-1 h^-1. In situ FTIR experiments provide a basis for clarifying the pivotal role of formate (facilitated at In₂O₃-ZrO₂ interface) in this reaction.