Studies on higher alcohols from syngas over the La promoted CuCo catalysts

CuCo-based catalysts for the synthesis of higher alcohols from syngas were prepared by the ultrasound assisted reverse coprecipitation. The effects of rare earth La promoter on the structure and catalytic performance were investigated. The catalysts were systematically characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption isotherm (BET) and temperature-programmed desorption (CO-TPD) techniques. The catalytic performance for CO hydrogenation to higher alcohols was also evaluated. The experimental results showed that with the addition of La, the crystal size of the sample was decreased, the specific surface area was increased notably, the formation of the active sites for alcohol formation was improved and the concentration of more strongly adsorbed CO-species was increased. Therefore, the catalytic activity and higher selectivity to C₂₊ alcohols were improved obviously, and the content of methanol in mixed alcohols was reduced significantly.