Surface modification of HMS material with silica sol leading to a remarkable enhanced catalytic performance of Cu/SiO2

► Silica sol leads to the surface modification of HMS material. ► Great enhancement of catalytic performance could be obtained via the surface modified catalyst. ► The yield of the ethylene glycol could be improved at least 2 times higher after the surface modification. ► Surface modification could improve the dispersion of copper species, stabilize the particle size and strengthen the interaction between the active copper species and support.