Core-shell silica@Cu_xZnAl LDH catalysts for efficient CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol

The efficient production of methanol by reduction of CO₂ using green hydrogen is a promising strategy from both a green chemistry and a carbon net zero perspective. Herein, we report the synthesis of well-dispersed core-shell catalyst precursors using silica@Cu_xZnAl-LDHs that can convert CO₂ to methanol. The catalyst precursors can be formed using either a commercially available silica (ES757) or a mesoporous silica (e.g. MCM-48). These hybrid materials show significantly enhanced catalytic performance compared to the equivalent unsupported Cu_xZnAl LDH precursor. Space-time yields of up to 0.7 g_MeOH g_cat^-1 h^-1 under mild operating conditions were observed.