Facile solid-state synthesis of Cu-Zn-O catalysts for novel ethanol synthesis from dimethyl ether (DME) and syngas (COÂ +Â H2)

► The Cux-Zny-O (Cu:Zn = x:y) was prepared through a new solid-state reaction method. ► The effects of x to physicochemical properties of catalysts were researched. ► Ethanol was synthesized from dimethyl ether (DME) and syngas (H2 + CO). ► Cu-Zn-O catalyst with the coexisting zeolite catalyst was used for novel ethanol synthesis. ► Cu0.4-Zn0.6-O catalyst showed good catalytic activity in ethanol synthesis.