Effect of component interaction on the activity of Co/CuZnO for CO hydrogenation

► Cu does not improve Co activity because it blocks Co surface reaction sites. ► ZnO also decorates the Co surface, leading to fewer Co surface reaction sites. ► Neither ZnO nor Cu alone causes Co-containing catalysts to produce C2+ oxygenates. ► Co/CuZnO together increase C2+ oxygenate selectivity, but with much lower activity.