Effect of the dimensions of carbon nanotube channels on copper–cobalt–cerium catalysts for higher alcohols synthesis

• Smaller CNT channel offers superior space restriction and electronic interaction.
• Encapsulated nanoparticles within channel are better for HAS than outer ones.
• Interaction between metals and tubes is enhanced upon decreasing CNT wall thickness.
• Excellent HAS selectivity is got over CuCoCe catalyst with the narrowest CNT channel.

A series of carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported copper–cobalt–cerium catalysts were prepared and investigated for higher alcohols synthesis. The superior selectivity for the formation of ethanol and C2 + alcohols achieved using the CuCoCe/CNT(8) catalyst was 39.0% and 67.9%, respectively. The diameters of CNTs considerably influence the distribution of metal particles and the electronic interaction between the tube surface and the active species. The electronic effect between the encapsulated Co species and the inner surface is greatly improved in the narrowest CNT channel, which is expected to facilitate the reduction of cobaltous oxide and promote the alcohols yield remarkably (291.9 mg/gcath).

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