Converting syngas obtained from renewable or abundant feedstocks into higher alcohols (HA) is a potentially more sustainable route to these important chemicals and fuels than industrial technologies, but lacks a performing catalytic process to reach commercialization. Here, we show that moderate CO 2 amounts (R = CO 2 /(CO + CO 2 ) = 0.12) in the feed raise the HA productivity over copper-iron catalysts carried on carbon nanofibers and promoted by potassium to a 3-fold higher level than the state of the art. CO 2 promotes copper dispersion and thus the formation of activated CO species, as in traditional methanol synthesis. Still, since its vicinity to iron is boosted, CO insertion into growing hydrocarbon chains prevails on hydrogenation, translating positive effects to HA production. Cascade zeolite-catalyzed upgrading of methanol and olefins byproducts generates a breakthrough process forming 2.42 g HA h À 1 g cat À 1 , which is 4-times superior to the best systems, and tuning the HA nature based on the aluminosilicate topology.
The Front Cover shows a two‐seater airplane emerging from a thin cloud up in the sky on a sunny day. In their Full Paper, H. T. Luk et al. demonstrate a serial catalyst arrangement comprising copper and iron supported on carbon nanofibers and a zeolite, represented by the two pilots, that breach together a new level in the synthesis of higher alcohols from syngas. The production of alcohols over the first catalyst is enhanced by moderate amounts of CO2 added in the feed gas. Valorizing methanol and hydrocarbons obtained as byproducts over the second solid further boosts the productivity of the process, which reaches 4‐times higher compared to the state of the art. More information can be found in the Full Paper by H. T. Luk et al.
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