Researchers determine active sites of Cu-ZnO catalysts for water gas shift and CO hydrogenation reactions
The study found that Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts have two active sites: CuCu(100) hydroxylated ZnO interface for water gas shift reactions and Cu(611) Zn alloy for CO hydrogenation to methanol. The researchers used in situ characterization technology and theoretical calculation to determine the active site structures.