LAUSR

Cu/ZnO-based catalysts have been used in methanol synthesis and methanol oxidation for decades [1, 2]. In order to improve the stability of these catalysts and catalytic performance, much effort has been invested to understand the impact of copper loading and metal promoters [3]. However, the structural evolution of the Cu/ZnO catalyst under industrially relevant conditions and interplay of the morphological-reactivity are still under debate [4, 5]. More in situ studies at reaction conditions are necessary for the elucidation of reaction mechanism and eventual optimization of next-generation Cu/ZnO catalysts. We synthesized a 30% wt Cu/ZnO by co-precipitation methodology. The particle size change under heat and methanol exposure was investigated using in and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques.