NQR-NMR studies of higher alcohol synthesis Cu-Co catalysts

Copper and cobalt are the key elements in syngas conversion catalyst systems used for higher alcohol synthesis. Their proximity and synergy sensitively control the selectivity and efficiency of the process. It is believed that their outer electronic charge distribution which is responsible for their electrical and magnetic properties might be governing their catalytic properties also. To examine the correlation between catalytic and magnetic properties, a series of copper cobalt catalysts (Co/Cu ratio 5:1 to 5:5) with and without a support were prepared. The nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrum of copper and (zero-field) nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of cobalt and magnetization and hysteresis character of the catalyst were analyzed. Similar to the catalytic results, the magnetic results also were found to be very sensitive to the preparation technique. The results indicate possible electron exchange between copper and cobalt, and cobalt and the support Titania