Catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into methanol over copper under hydrothermal conditions

A novel method for the catalytic synthesis of methanol from CO2 over Cu in the presence of Zn under hydrothermal conditions was investigated. The results showed Cu acts as an active catalyst in conversion of CO2 into methanol. The methanol yield of 11.4% was achieved at 350 °C for 3 h with Cu 70 mmol, Zn 60 mmol, HCl 2.0 M and water filling 50%. The plausible mechanism for the hydrothermal conversion of CO2 into methanol was also discussed.