[ProfessorMcGooby]

Hello!

I have read this link and as I understand it you should have a catalyst which is made of copper + zinc oxide + aluminum oxide. Synthesis gas (CO + H2 + CO2) is passed through the catalyst along with H20.

When the synthesis gas and the steam is passed through the catalyst, so it should be done under a certain pressure of 5-10MPa and a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius.

After that, the synthesis gas to be liquefied. It will be also be water in the methanol. Therefore, one must destilera so you get pure methanol from water.

Is this true?
Is there a certain percent copper, zinc oxide and alumina catalyst is made ​​of cara or is it just that it is made of copper? Are temperature and ranks right?

http://bioweb.sungrant.org/Technical/Bioproducts/Bioproducts+from+Syngas/Methanol/Default.htm

Thank you.

[billnotgatez]

You can also look at these links as well

Methanol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol
Methanol fuel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol_fuel
Methanol economy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol_economy
Gas to liquids (Methanol to Gasoline)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol_to_gasoline
Methanol (data page)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol_%28data_page%29

Note -
In the process you mention energy is used

[Arkcon]

As a general rule, yes, we can use certain transition metals and sometimes their oxides, as catalysts for industrial applications.  You have found a good link to a number of catalysts, and their formulations.  You also know the conditions -- generally these gasses won't react into a useful quantity of product without significant pressure.  You're not going to find the specifics posted or written anywhere.  This is an industrial application, so much of this is going to be a trade secret.  You will probably find several answers that work in each patent you read, and it might come up in a university level Chemical Engineering course.  But what you really want to do, I can't figure out from your question.

[ProfessorMcGooby]

Okay, thanks for the replies!

What I want to do is to produce methanol at home. But if there is no information, "How to make methanol" I think have probably come up with it myself, I guess?

I've just read a single chemistry course, but I'd love to like to learn these things:
1. How does a catalyst
2. Why have a wise material in a catalyst
3. Why mix the material in the catalyst
4. What will be the reaction of the catalyst
5. Why do you have to have heat in the catalyst
6. Why do you have pressure in the catalyst.

I go Mechanical Engineering at university and I have no time or opportunity to read chemistry courses so I will probably have to take it at the leisure.

[billnotgatez]

I assume you have read forum rules
There is a link near the top of the page
We do not necessarily answer questions directly, but guide you in finding the answer.
That way it helps you and others to learn.

I used GOOGLE on the word "catalyst" and got plenty of links.
One of the links near the top was from a WIKI
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalysis

Looking at the WIKI link and thinking I get the following ideas

Most all chemical reactions have energy involved.
If the reaction uses energy rather than gives off energy a catalyst may be helpful in promoting the reaction.
Sometimes reactions are more favored when you change the temperature and / or pressure.

On a side note -
Far be it for me to suggest you not try this at home, since I would be tempted as a citizen scientist.
But, the process you are looking at here does require a lot of know how and potentially a good lab environment.

Second side note - If I were to take on this project, I would do it for the experience. It is not likely to be an economically productive project. I would have to put in more energy into the system than I got out.
 

[Arkcon]

Okay, thanks for the replies!

What I want to do is to produce methanol at home. But if there is no information, "How to make methanol" I think have probably come up with it myself, I guess?

How will you produce the reactants CO and H2 at home?  How will you store them safely?  What will be your pressure vessel?  Answer that first, then consider where the catalyst will come from.