Pd-Mo Intermetallic Catalyst for Low-Temperature CO2-to-Methanol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 are thermodynamically unfavorable at high temperatures and lack sufficient catalytic performance and stability.

Innovation Solution

Development of an intermetallic compound comprising Pd, Rh, or Ir and Mo with specific crystal lattice structures and properties, allowing for low-temperature methanol synthesis with high conversion efficiency and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high temperature and high pressure conditions are used for methanol synthesis from CO2, then reaction rate is improved, but thermodynamic favorability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidthermodynamic favorability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to low temperature conditions for methanol synthesis. By using the Pd-Mo intermetallic compound catalyst, the reaction can proceed efficiently at low temperatures, thereby maintaining thermodynamic favorability while achieving acceptable reaction rates through catalytic activity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite intermetallic compound catalyst consisting of Pd and Mo atoms in a specific crystal lattice structure. This composite material combines the properties of both metals to achieve high catalytic activity at low temperatures, resolving the contradiction between reaction rate and thermodynamic favorability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If conventional Cu catalysts or Pd catalysts are used for methanol synthesis, then reaction can proceed, but catalytic performance and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic performanceVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention develops a Pd-Mo intermetallic compound where Pd and Mo atoms are arranged in a specific crystal lattice structure. This composite structure provides both high catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation and excellent stability, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-metal catalysts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The intermetallic compound exhibits local quality through its specific crystal lattice structure where Pd and Mo atoms are arranged in a defined pattern. This local atomic arrangement creates specific active sites with optimized electronic properties, enhancing both catalytic activity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If MoS2 nanosheets are used as catalyst, then low temperature methanol synthesis is enabled, but conversion efficiency and reusability are not fully satisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction temperatureVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from MoS2 nanosheets to a Pd-Mo intermetallic compound. This composite material maintains the low temperature capability while significantly improving conversion efficiency through the synergistic interaction between Pd and Mo atoms in the intermetallic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the catalyst material composition from MoS2 to Pd-Mo intermetallic compound. This parameter change in catalyst composition enables simultaneous achievement of low temperature operation and high conversion efficiency, along with improved reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The intermetallic compound enables efficient methanol synthesis from CO2 at low temperatures with improved catalytic performance and reusability.

Implementation Method 1

the intermetallic compound enables efficient methanol synthesis from CO2 at low temperatures with improved catalytic performance and reusability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

bringing hydrogen and at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into contact with the intermetallic compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

comprising a first metal atom and a second metal atom and having a crystal lattice in which the first metal atom and the second metal atom are adjacent to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4653089A1Intermetallic compound, catalyst, production method for methanol, production method for carbon monoxide, and production method for intermetallic compound
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 THE JAPAN SCI & TECH AGENCY
  • EP4653089A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4653089A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4653089A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an intermetallic compound that is excellent in terms of catalytic performance. An intermetallic compound according to the present embodiment includes a crystal lattice in which a first metal atom and the second metal atom are adjacent to each other. The first metal atom is at least one selected from the group consisting of Pd, Rh, and Ir. The second metal atom is Mo. An X-ray diffraction spectrum before temperature-programmed desorption measurement has a first peak between 42° and 44°, and a second peak between 55° and 58° in terms of a diffraction angle 20. After the temperature-programmed desorption measurement, the intensity of the first peak and the intensity of the second peak are equal to or lower than those before the temperature-programmed desorption measurement, and the BET specific surface area thereof is at least 1 m2/g.