Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst precursor for methanol synthesis using copper sulfate recovered from low-cost copper etching waste solution as the source of copper, which comprises using recovered copper sulfate containing the mother liquor in the amount of 10% by weight or less, and adding a zinc or aluminum compound, and, optionally, further adding a boron compound to the recovered copper sulfate. The catalyst prepared by such method has all of the characteristics of a catalyst prepared with an expensive starting material, such as conventional metal nitrates. By using such method, the catalyst cost can be reduced to a great extent, thus rendering the method of great commercial value.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluidized catalyst for synthesis of methanol, which comprises molding a composition comprising(A) 10 to 55% by weight of a mixture composed of water-insoluble copper, zinc and zirconium compounds convertible respectively to copper, zinc and zirconium oxides under calcination conditions, said mixture optionally containing a boron compound,(B) 45 to 90% by weight of water, and(C) 0.01 to 1% by weight of ammonia into fine particles, and calcining the fine particles.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising copper oxide, zinc oxide and zirconium oxide, the content of zirconium oxide being 30 to 70% by weight. This catalyst composition is useful for synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide and hydrogen by a gas-liquid-solid phase fluidized bed method or a gas-solid phase fluidized bed method.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising copper oxide, zinc oxide and an oxyacid of phosphorus or its salt; and a method for producing methanol by reacting carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide with hydrogen in the vapor phase in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is the aforesaid catalyst composition which has been activated by reduction with a hydrogen-containing gas.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst composition comprising copper oxide, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide as essential ingredients and optionally containing boron oxide, which comprises(a) a step of precipitating from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble copper salt optionally containing a water-soluble boron compound the copper component, together with the boron component if it is present, using an alkaline substance selected from alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates as a precipitant;(b) a step of blowing carbon dioxide gas into an aqueous dispersion of a zinc compound selected from zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide optionally containing a water-soluble boron compound to convert the zinc compound to basic zinc carbonate and simultaneously precipitate the boron component if it is present; and(c) a step of calcining a mixture of the solid products obtained in steps (a) and (b) in the presence of an alumina precursor compound.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst composition containing a copper oxide, a zinc oxide and an aluminum oxide as essential components and, if desired, containing a boron oxide, which comprises the following steps:(a) a step of precipitating from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble copper salt, which solution, if desired, may contain a water-soluble boron compound, a copper component, together with a boron component if the boron compound is present, with the use of ammonium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate as a precipitant;(b) a step of precipitating from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble zinc salt, which solution, if desired, may contain a water-soluble boron compound, a copper component, together with a boron component if the boron compound is present, with the use of an alkali hydroxide as a precipitant; and(c) a step of calcing a mixture of the precipitates obtained in the steps (a) and (b) in the presence of an alumina precursor compound.

Abstract: Catalyst comprising oxides of copper, zinc and boron in an atomic ratio of copper: zinc: boron of 20 to 70: 15 to 50: 0.3 to 5.3 is used for methanol synthesis from hydrogen and carbon oxides at a reaction pressure of 20 to 500 kg/cm.sup.2, reaction temperature of 150.degree. to 350.degree.C and space velocity of 2,000 to 5 .times. 10.sup.4 hr.sup..sup.-1.The catalyst has a higher catalytic efficiency, and improved heat resistance and durability.

Abstract: A methanol synthesis process comprising reacting a methanol synthesis gas composition in the presence of a methanol synthesis catalyst. The methanol synthesis catalyst is a catalyst produced by drying and sintering a catalyst precursor.