Bi-metal Cu-Co from LaCo sub(1-x)Cu sub(x)O sub(3) perovskite supported on zirconia for the synthesis of higher alcohols

A new scheme for designing and preparing the catalyst for higher alcohol synthesis was presented in this work. According to the scheme, a series of zirconia-supported LaCO sub(1-x)Cu sub(x)O sub(3) catalysts were prepared by impregnating ZrO sub(2) with a mixed solution composed of ions of copper, cobalt and lanthanum and citric acid. The catalysts were characterized by using XRD, TEM, BET, H sub(2)-TPR and XPS techniques. After reduction, the catalyst precursor favored to form nanoparticles of Co-Cu alloy highly dispersed on ZrO sub(2) and modified with La sub(2)O sub(3). The metal nanoparticles of Cu-Co alloy together with ZrO sub(2) modified with La sub(2)O sub(3) contributed to the excellent selectivity of higher alcohols as well as the very good stability.