Mechanism of methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation over Rh16/In2O3 catalysts: A combined study on density functional theory and microkinetic modeling
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Graphical Abstract
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Abstract
In this study, the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol (CH3OH) over Rh16/In2O3 catalyst was studied through Density Functional Theory (DFT) and microdynamics modeling. The spontaneous dissociation mechanisms of H2 and CO2 adsorption at the Rh16/In2O3 interface were investigated. The oxygen vacancies in In2O3 enhanced the adsorption process. Bader charge analysis revealed a marginal positive charge on Rh16, elucidating the critical insights into the electronic characteristics and catalytic activity. The study established the RWGS+CO-Hydro pathway as the predominant mechanism for methanol synthesis, characterized by a sequential transformation of intermediates: CO2*→COOH*→CO*+OH*→HCO*→CH2O*→CH2OH*→ CH3OH*. Furthermore, degree of Reaction Rate Control (DRC) analysis conducted in the range of 373−873 K and 10−2 to 103 bar identified two principal kinetic phenomena: at lower temperature and higher pressure, the conversion of CO* + H* to HCO* significantly impacted the overall reaction rate. Conversely, at higher temperature, the step from CH2O* + H* to CH3O* was dominate.
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