Progress in additives of molybdenum based catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis from syngas

Mo-based catalysts are considered to be the most promising ones for higher alcohol synthesis from syngas due to their unique nature of sulfur tolerance and anti-coking.While,the catalyst performance is remarkably affected by addictives.The selectivity for alcohol can be dramatically improved by the addition of alkali metal,but the CO conversion is decreased.The catalyst activity is also significantly influenced by the anionic species in alkali metal salts.The selectivity for C2+ alcohols can be improved by the introduction of Co,Ni and Rh etc.into the alkali metal-doped catalysts.Rh is beneficial to the enhancement in alcohol selectivity,but with harsh reaction conditions and high cost.Different catalyst shows different catalytic reaction mechanism,which is related to the catalyst surface phase.Molybdenum-based catalysts with high performance for CO hydrogenation to alcohols were expected to be obtained if addictives are properly selected.