Catalysis under microscope: Unraveling the mechanism of catalyst de- and re-activation in the continuous dimethyl carbonate synthesis from CO2 and methanol in the presence of a dehydrating agent
Visually looking into CeO2 catalyst in DMC synthesis from CO2 & methanol (≤30 bar). Using an organic dehydrating agent, thus a complex three-phase boundary was formed. Rapid color change of the catalyst with slower deactivation. Strong binding of 2-picolinamide over CeO2 causes the catalyst deactivation. Mild temperature (300 °C) calcination can reactivate the catalyst completely.