CO hydrogenation to mixed alcohols over co-precipitated Cu–Fe catalysts

The co-precipitated Cu–Fe catalysts were examined for mixed alcohols synthesis, and the effect of promoters and pretreatments were employed to optimize the overall performance. It was found that the production of either alcohols or hydrocarbons followed A–S–F distributions, and their α parameters were essentially different due to the buildup of graphitic carbon. In catalyst, zinc could be electronic/chemical promoter whereas manganese structural. The obvious synergism between zinc and manganese was observed over co-modified Cu–Fe catalyst. The specific activity to alcohols and selectivity to higher alcohols (C2 + OH) of catalyst pretreated with syngas appeared superior to that of catalyst by H2 or CO.