Syngas Conversion to Higher Alcohols via Wood-Framed Cu/Co-Carbon Catalyst

Syngas conversion into higher alcohols represents a promising avenue for transforming coal or biomass into liquid fuels. However, the commercialization of this process has been hindered by the high cost, low activity, and inadequate C₂₊OH selectivity of the catalysts. Herein, we have developed Cu/Co carbon wood catalysts, offering a cost-effective and stable alternative with superior selectivity for catalytic conversion. The formation of Cu/Co nanoparticles was found, influenced by water-1,2-propylene glycol ratios in the solution, resulting in bidisperse nanoparticles. The Cu/Co-CW-W₁P₁ catalyst (the ratio between water and 1,2-propanediol is 0.5:0.5) exhibited a remarkable CO conversion rate of 74.8% and a selectivity of 58.7% for C₂₊OH, primarily comprising linear primary alcohols. This catalyst demonstrated enduring stability and selectivity under industrial conditions, maintaining its efficacy for up to 350 h of operation. We also employed density functional theory (DFT) to analyze selectivity, particularly focusing on the binding strength of CO, a crucial intermediate for subsequent reactions leading to the formation of alcohols. DFT identified the pathway of CH_x and CO coupling, ultimately yielding C₂H₅OH. This computational understanding, coupled with the high performance of the Cu/Co-carbon wood catalyst, paves the way to develop catalytically selective materials tailored for higher alcohol production from a nature-based source.