Synergistic effect between In 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 in the reverse water gas shift reaction.

Efficient activation of CO 2 at low temperature was achieved through the interface effect between In 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 by their geometric and electronic effects. The results show that 75In 2 O 3 -25ZrO 2 (In 2 O 3  : ZrO 2 molar ratio of 3 : 1), as a catalyst for the reverse water gas shift reaction, can achieve 28% CO 2 conversion with 96% CO selectivity at 400 °C, 0.1 MPa, a H 2  : CO 2 molar ratio of 3 : 1 and a gas hourly space velocity of 10 000 mL g -1 h -1 . In situ FTIR experiments provide a basis for clarifying the pivotal role of formate (facilitated at In 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 interface) in this reaction.