The role of metal oxides such as Ga 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 and Cr 2 O 3 contained in Cu/ZnO-based ternary catalysts for methanol synthesis by CO 2 hydrogenation was classified into two categories: to improve the Cu dispersion and to increase the specific activity. The multicomponent catalysts developed on the basis of the role of metal oxides were highly active and stable for a long period in a continuous methanol synthesis operation.