Single-Atom Indium Catalyst Enables Efficient CO2-to-Methanol Conversion

ETH Zurich researchers engineered a hafnium oxide-supported single-atom indium catalyst that dramatically lowers the energy required to convert CO2 and hydrogen into methanol, with each indium atom acting as an active site. This design offers clearer insight into reaction mechanisms, improved efficiency over nanoparticle catalysts, and durability under industrial conditions, potentially accelerating climate-friendly methanol production if powered by renewables.