Dynamic activation catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation

In typical heterogeneous catalytic reactions, catalysts, whether fixed or flowing, maintained their bulk and surface structures as stable as possible. We report here dynamic activation catalysts having continuously generate highly active sites in working, which enables a usually low active Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst for CO₂ hydrogenation, showing extraordinary catalytic performances. Using reaction streams in unusually high linear speed to blow and carry the Cu/Al₂O₃ particulates to collide cyclically with a rigid target, the CO₂ conversion rate is more than three times enhanced at methanol selectivity promoted to 95% from less than 40% and the methanol space-time-yield is six times increased. By experimental and theoretical investigation, the dynamic activation of Cu/Al₂O₃ is defined as a discrete condensed state with a distorted and elongated lattice, reduced coordination, and abnormal catalytic properties. We envision that continuous research on the dynamical activation catalysts will advance novel methods for promoting catalytic performance and discovering new catalytic reactions.