Methanol synthesis catalysts based on Cu-Zn-Al prepared under different precipitation conditions with the use of Zr or not as a promoter were studied in the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) using H-ferrierite as a dehydration component. Samples prepared under high supersaturation conditions showed textural and structural changes without any relation to the CO conversion. Samples containing zirconium favored an increase of Cu surface area, but other factors were involved in the improvement of the catalyst activity. The presence of aluminum in the methanol synthesis catalyst produced structural changes that could be related to the catalytic activity. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.