Structure and catalytic performance of alumina-supported copper-cobalt catalysts for carbon monoxide hydrogenation

► Cobalt and copper alumina-supported catalysts for carbon monoxide hydrogenation. ► Mixed copper-cobalt oxides in calcined catalysts. ► Bimetallic copper-cobalt nanoparticles after activation. ► Different catalytic performance of bimetallic and monometallic catalysts. ► Higher alcohol synthesis proceeds on bimetallic copper-cobalt nanoparticles.