Abstract
The mechanism of catalysis of methanol synthesis is controversial. Here it is proposed that the minute Schottky junctions at the interface between metals and oxides in the catalysts affect the surface chemistry of the oxides in a way that correlates with catalytic behaviour. This theory can predict the existence and properties of new catalysts.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Relevant articles
Open Access articles citing this article.
-
Probing active sites for carbon oxides hydrogenation on Cu/TiO2 using infrared spectroscopy
Communications Chemistry Open Access 14 March 2022
-
The unique interplay between copper and zinc during catalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol
Nature Communications Open Access 15 May 2020
-
Abiotic Synthesis with the C-C Bond Formation in Ethanol from CO2 over (Cu,M)(O,S) Catalysts with M = Ni, Sn, and Co
Scientific Reports Open Access 30 August 2017
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Chinchen, G. C. et al. Am. chem. Soc. Div. Fuel Chem. Symp. on Methanol Synthesis Philadelphia 29, 178–185 (1984).
Chinchen, G. C., Spencer, M. S., Waugh, K. C. & Whan, D. A. Fraday Symp. chem. Soc. 21, paper 18 (1986).
Chinchen, G. C. & Waugh, K. C. J. Catal 97, 280–283 (1986).
Klier, K. Applic. surf. Sci. 19, 267–297 (1984).
Bulko, J. B., Herman, R. G., Klier, K. & Simmons, G. W. J. phys. Chem. 83, 3118–3122 (1979).
Klier, K. in Advances in Catalysis Vol. 31 (eds Eley, D. D., Pines, H. & Weisz, P. B.) 243–310 (Academic, New York, 1982).
Okamoto, Y., Fukino, K., Imanaka, T. & Teranishi, S. J. phys. Chem. 87, 3747–3754 (1983).
Fleisch, T. H. & Mieville, R. L. J. Catal. 90, 165–172 (1984).
Fleisch, T. H. & Mieville, R. L. J. Catal. 97, 284–285 (1986).
Clausen, B. S., Lengeler, B., Rasmussen, B. S. & Topsoe, H. Proc. Intl Congr Prog. X-ray Studies by Synchrotron Radiation Strasbourg paper 2 (1985).
Kung, H. H. Catal. Rev. Sci. Eng. 22, 235–259 (1980).
Friedrich, J. B., Wainwright, M. S. & Young, D. J. J. Catal. 80, 1–24 (1983).
Bart, J. C. & Sneeden, R. P. A. Catalysis Today 2, 1–115 (1987).
Schwab, G. M. in Advances in Catalysis Vol. 27 (eds Eley, D. D., Pines, H. & Weisz, P. B.) 1–22 (Academic, New York, 1978).
Cox, D. M., Reichmann, K. C., Trevor, D. J. & Kaldor, A. J. chem. Phys. 88, 111–119 (1988).
Mahan, G. D. J. appl. Phys. 54, 3825–3832 (1983).
Kroger, F. A. in The Chemistry of Imperfect Crystals Vol. 2 (North-Holland, 1974).
Sze, S. M. in Physics of Semiconductor Devices 2nd edn (Wiley, New York, 1981).
Brillson, L. J. Phys. Rev. Lett. 40, 260–263 (1978).
Nix, R. M., Rayment, T., Lambert, R. M., Jennings, J. R. & Owen, G. J. Catal 106, 216–234 (1987).
Mark, T. J. Science 217, 989–997 (1982).
Chinchen, G. C., Waugh, K. C. & Whan, D. A. Appl. Catal. 25, 101–107 (1986).
Bridgewater, A. J., Wainwright, M. S. & Young, D. J. Appl. Catal. 28, 241–253 (1986).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Frost, J. Junction effect interactions in methanol synthesis catalysts. Nature 334, 577–580 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/334577a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/334577a0
This article is cited by
-
Probing active sites for carbon oxides hydrogenation on Cu/TiO2 using infrared spectroscopy
Communications Chemistry (2022)
-
Following the structure of copper-zinc-alumina across the pressure gap in carbon dioxide hydrogenation
Nature Catalysis (2021)
-
The unique interplay between copper and zinc during catalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol
Nature Communications (2020)
-
A Highly Effective Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Methyl Benzoate to Benzyl Alcohol in Methanol Solution
Catalysis Letters (2019)
-
Abiotic Synthesis with the C-C Bond Formation in Ethanol from CO2 over (Cu,M)(O,S) Catalysts with M = Ni, Sn, and Co
Scientific Reports (2017)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.