Indium, as an efficient co‐catalyst of Cu/Al2O3 in the selective hydrogenation of biomass derived fatty acids to alcohols

► Novel CuIn/Al2O3 composite is more active than conventionally used Adkins catalyst. ► Indium doping is highly efficient for reduction of fatty acids in hydrogen. ► High activity and octanol yield was observed in a wide range of Cu and In loading. ► Promoting effect of indium on Cu catalysts comes from alloy (Cu2In) formation.