Catalytic properties of Cu-Co-Al oxide compounds of various phase compositions in the direct synthesis of higher alcohols from synthesis gas are studied. Three regions differing in their product compositions are found; higher alcohols are formed preferentially in the 290-350{degrees}C temperature range. The activity and selectivity of the obtained catalysts depend on the calcination temperature; higher alcohols are formed only on the low-temperature samples. It was shown by means of XPS and thermal analysis that at low temperatures (below 500{degrees}C), the compounds of two types with the spinel and delafossite structures could be formed in this oxide system; their behavior in the synthesis of alcohols differs significantly. The ratio of these compounds determines the catalytic properties of Cu-Co-Al samples of any composition.

Higher alcohols are preferentially synthesized on low-temperature Cu-Co-Al catalysts, with spinel and delafossite compounds playing a significant role in their catalytic properties.

Synthesis of higher alcohols on Cu-Co-Al catalysts: Dependences on the composition and structure of precursors