Abstract: Copper-based catalysts for methanol synthesis were prepared by glow discharge plasma. These catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area measurement (BET method), hydrogen temperature programmed desorption (H2-TPD), and carbon monoxide temperature programmed desorption (CO-TPD). The catalytic performances of these samples were measured in methanol synthesis from the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. After plasma enhancement in N2 and then in H2, the conversion of carbon monoxide was 2.61 times higher than that of the conventional sample. Meanwhile, the space time yield (STY) of methanol was 2.65 times higher, and the amount of surface active sites on the catalysts increased as evidenced by TPD experiments.

Key words: Glow discharge plasma, Copper-based catalyst, Methanol synthesis, Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide