biostudies-literatureRabee AIMAlexander von Humboldt-StiftungStrategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of ScienceMajor Project of Gansu Province-ChinaH2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actionse06401https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12786349biostudies-literatureUnknown13(2)Alkali-modified solid catalysts represent a promising class of heterogeneous catalysts for various applications. Despite extensive research, the role of alkali metals remains debated. In this study, Na-modified ZrO₂-supported Cu catalysts are synthesized using different methods for the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to elucidate the role of Na⁺. Catalytic results show that activity strongly depends on the preparation method, with the one-pot approach yielding three times higher activity than wet impregnation. The one-pot method significantly enhances Cu⁰ dispersion, preventing the loss of Cu sites due to agglomeration or coverage by Alkali. Although the prevailing view suggests that alkali metals favor the associative mechanism for CO formation. CoAdvanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)Unveiling Alkali-Induced Redox Modulation: In-Situ Spectroscopic Insights from RWGS on Alkali-Modified ZrO<sub>2</sub>-Supported Cu Catalysts.PMC12786349101008058XDB150010224ZD13FA002Rabee AIMBruckner AKraußer LLund HRockstroh NBartling SAbed HRabeah JKondratenko EVAtia HVuong THfalseUnveiling Alkali-Induced Redox Modulation: In-Situ Spectroscopic Insights from RWGS on Alkali-Modified ZrO<sub>2</sub>-Supported Cu Catalysts.Alkali-modified solid catalysts represent a promising class of heterogeneous catalysts for various applications. Despite extensive research, the role of alkali metals remains debated. In this study, Na-modified ZrO₂-supported Cu catalysts are synthesized using different methods for the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to elucidate the role of Na⁺. Catalytic results show that activity strongly depends on the preparation method, with the one-pot approach yielding three times higher activity than wet impregnation. The one-pot method significantly enhances Cu⁰ dispersion, preventing the loss of Cu sites due to agglomeration or coverage by Alkali. Although the prevailing view suggests that alkali metals favor the associative mechanism for CO formation. Co2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Jan2026-06-06T11:48:10.145Z2026-05-30T03:08:03.024ZS-EPMC127863494108233110.1002/advs.202506401