Low-temperature methanol-assisted CO₂ hydrogenation populates intermediates over a Ce-promoted Cu/ZnO/MgO catalyst in a three-phase slurry reactor

A novel methanol-assisted strategy for CO₂ hydrogenation is demonstrated over a Ce-promoted Cu/ZnO/MgO catalyst in a three-phase slurry reactor, enabling methanol synthesis at an unprecedented low temperature of 150 °C. The unique catalyst formulation integrates CeO₂ to enhance redox activity and generate oxygen vacancies, while ZnO facilitates H₂ spillover, collectively optimizing intermediate formation and reaction pathways. In situ DRIFTS analysis reveals that pre-dosed methanol shifts the reaction mechanism toward methyl formate-mediated pathways, distinct from conventional high-temperature routes.