Nanostructure of nickel-promoted indium oxide catalysts drives selectivity in CO hydrogenation.

Metal promotion in heterogeneous catalysis requires nanoscale-precision architectures to attain maximized and durable benefits. Herein, we unravel the complex interplay between nanostructure and product selectivity of nickel-promoted InO in CO hydrogenation to methanol through in-depth characterization, theoretical simulations, and kinetic analyses. Up to 10 wt.% nickel, InNi patches are formed on the oxide surface, which cannot activate CO but boost methanol production supplying neutral hydrogen species. Since protons and hydrides generated on InO drive methanol synthesis rather than the reverse water-gas shift but radicals foster both reactions, nickel-lean catalysts featuring nanometric alloy layers provide a favorable balance between charged and neutral hydrogen species. For nickel contents >10 wt.%, extended InNi structures favor CO production and metallic nickel additionally present produces some methane. This study marks a step ahead towards green methanol synthesis and uncovers chemistry aspects of nickel that shall spark inspiration for other catalytic applications.