Novel pulse electrodeposited Co-Cu-ZnO nanowire/tube catalysts for C ₁-C ₄ alcohols and C ₂-C ₆ (except C ₅) hydrocarbons from CO and H ₂

Co-Cu-ZnO nanowire/tube catalysts were synthesized using pulse electrodeposition technique from a single aqueous electrolyte solution using a template synthesis technique. They were then tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO to alcohols and higher hydrocarbons. Nanowires/tubes were grown inside the pores of membranes using a three-step sequential deposition process. First, a low current of -6.9 mA/cm ² was applied for 300 ms for Cu deposition, then a high current density of -11.5 mA/cm ² for t ms (t = 500, 600, 750 ms) was applied for Co deposition, and finally no current was applied for 1200 ms so that the ions near the cathode replenish. The surface had a significantly different composition than the bulk. On the surface, there was more Co, less Cu, and more Zn. The catalyst showed the alcohol (C ₁-C ₄) selectivity of 20.9 %C at H ₂/CO = 3/1, GHSV = 16 000 scc/h gcat, temperature = 270 °C, pressure = 15 bar, and time-on-stream = 65 h.