Abstract: CuCo/ZrO2 catalysts for lower-alcohol synthesis from syngas were prepared by glow discharge plasma and conventional calcination method. The effects of plasma atmosphere(N2, H2 or first N2 then H2) on the catalyst structure and performance were investigated. These catalysts were characterized using BET, XPS, XRD, TG, and TPR techniques. The experimental results indicated that plasma treatment restrained effectively the production of hydrocarbon and enhanced the selectivity to total alcohols. Compared with the calcined sample, the plasma treated catalyst had higher activity and space time yield (STY). Characterization results showed that the catalyst precursor with plasma treatment was decomposed to active phase under low temperature and the specific surface area of catalyst was significantly improved. Meanwhile, the plasma treatment promoted the grain refining, dispersion of the active component and enrichment of copper on the catalyst surface.

Key words: Copper-cobalt based catalyst, Glow discharge plasma, CO hydrogenation, Lower alcohols