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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
08:40
Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
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In2O3-CNT catalysts enable >500-hour stable CO2-to-methanol hydrogenation via vacancy stabilization.
Lei Zhang1,2, Yuxiang Yang2,3, Hao Yan4
1State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201306, China.
Science Advances
|March 20, 2026
Summary
We developed an indium oxide-carbon nanotube (In2O3-CNT) catalyst for efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation to methanol. This hybrid system significantly enhances catalytic performance and durability, preventing catalyst deactivation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Indium oxide (In2O3) is a catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.
- In2O3 catalysts deactivate due to over-reduction of In3+ to inactive In0.
- Localized over-reduction occurs near H2 activation sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the performance and durability of In2O3 catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation.
- To investigate a proton-electron dual-transfer mechanism using an In2O3-carbon nanotube (CNT) system.
- To prevent the deactivation of In2O3 catalysts.
Main Methods:
- Physically integrating In2O3 with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to form an In2O3-CNT system.
- Utilizing a proton-electron dual-transfer mechanism.
- Employing mechanistic studies and multiple characterization techniques.
Main Results:
- The optimal In2O3-CNT system achieved a methanol production rate of 1250.6 g kg(In2O3)-1 h-1 at 320°C.
- The hybrid system demonstrated catalytic stability for over 500 hours, outperforming existing In2O3 catalysts.
- The conductive CNT network regulated surface redox dynamics, facilitating electron transfer and preventing In0 segregation.
Conclusions:
- The In2O3-CNT system effectively prevents localized over-reduction and stabilizes the InOx surface phase.
- CNT-mediated redox modulation balances H2-induced reduction and CO2-driven oxidation, sustaining catalytic activity.
- This work presents a promising strategy for developing durable and high-performance catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation.
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