Unsupported CuFe bimetallic nanoparticles for higher alcohol synthesis via syngas

CuFe bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized by co-reduction method as model catalysts for HAS. Cu contacted with Fe component in the form of Cu-Fe alloy, CuFe2O4 and Cu(Fe)-CuFe2O4 interface in the fresh CuFe sample. However, Cu/Fe3O4 and Cu/FeCx composites formed after activation. Cu-FeCx center benefited alcohol formation which led to higher selectivity to total alcohol for CuFe than that for Fe and physical mixture of Fe and Cu nanoparticles. In addition, CuFe showed very high C6+OH selectivity in alcohol distribution and 33 wt.%-74 wt.% was achieved, demonstrating the potential for direct synthesis of C6+OH from syngas. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.