Synthesis of Bimetallic Pt3Co Alloy Nanocrystals for Heterogeneous Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol

In this thesis heterogeneous hydrogenation of CO2 was investigated mainly at mild temperature and pressure over bimetallic Pt3Co alloy nanocrystals, i.e. at conditions where the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is thermodynamically favored and methanol is the main product.

CO2 “greenhouse gas” poses genuine concerns and threats in the shape of ecological climate changes and global warming as a result of extensive combustion of fossil fuels. The environmental problems related to CO2 emissions are significantly serious and therefore, people and governments are paying due attention to the efficient utilization of CO2. Methanol is consequently a good choice of liquid fuel with a relatively high energy density, because methanol can be produced by heterogeneous hydrogenation of CO2. The utilization of methanol is highly preferred as an alternative to hydrogen due to its ability of storing and its simplicity in transporting, handling and storing of energy.