Work

Selective conversion of syngas to C4+ long-chain alcohols

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The selective conversion of syngas to C 4+ long-chain alcohols holds significant industrial and scientific interest, but challenges in product selectivity and process efficiency remain. Here, we report a precisely catalytic strategy for C 4+ alcohol synthesis with a selectivity of 80% at 17% CO conversion. The reaction channel involves: (i) the development Cs 2 O-Co 2 C-Co catalysts, capable of catalyzing CO hydrogenation to long-chain oxygenates/olefins; and (ii) complete conversion to C 4+ alcohols is subsequently achieved on the single-Rh-site and Cu-ZrO 2 interfaces by integrated cooperative catalysis. A comprehensive catalyst design and compatibility assessment of each catalytic module ensures optimal combinations, meanwhile effectively eliminates costly separation steps, and reduces CO 2 selectivity down to 1%. The developed process achieves ultra-high carbon-efficiency (>95%) and improves oxygen-efficiency, effectively overcoming the key limitations of current syngas conversion technologies and thus representing a competitive and sustainable solution for producing high-value long-chain alcohols with a minimal carbon footprint.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-70994-z