Pd nanoparticles were deposited on ZnO by sol-immobilisation resulting in a narrow Pd particle size distribution in the range of 3 - 5 nm. This method controls the growth of PdZn bimetallic nanoparticles which are active and selective for methanol synthesis. Comparison with impregnated catalysts (IM) reveals the importance of not only controlling the PdZn particle size, but also the desired intermetallic surface composition for activating CO2 selectively to methanol. The data are divided into two parts; 1. Characterization of the catalysts and 2. The catalytic activity of the catalysts on CO2 hydrogenation Data 1 are measured using analytical method of XRD, XPS, XAS and TPD analysis. Data 2 are based on the product evolution from CO2 hydrogenation reaction over reaction time detected by GC chromatography.

Results derived from these data can found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2016.03.017