Enhancing the performance of Cu catalysts for the reverse water–gas shift reaction using N-doped CNT–ZnO composite as support

Abstract

The reverse water–gas shift reaction (RWGS) allows the conversion of CO₂ to CO which, mixed with H₂, forms syngas, the feedstock of most chemicals and synthetic fuels production. Consequently, it is crucial to develop efficient catalysts for this reaction. To further the development of RWGS catalysts, Cu-based catalysts supported on pristine CNTs and on composites of pristine and functionalized CNTs : ZnO were prepared. ZnO's presence in the catalyst's structure proved to be beneficial, as the CO₂ conversion and CO yield reached 49.0% whereas the catalysts supported on pristine CNTs only achieved a CO₂ conversion and CO yield of 17.6%, at a temperature of 600 °C. The N-doping of CNTs further improved the CO₂ conversion and CO yield to 54.8%, remaining stable at least for 93 h.