Boosting selective higher alcohol synthesis from syngas over supported La-K-(Co)MoS2 catalysts

The present study investigates the emerging synergistic effects of lanthanum and potassium modifications on the morphology of the (Co)-MoS2 catalyst supported on hierarchical meso-microporous carbon and their role in enhancing higher alcohol synthesis from syngas. Based on the obtained results, we demonstrate that (Co)-MoS2/AC modified with potassium and lanthanum forms effective active sites for higher alcohol synthesis. This modification leads to a 52-fold increase in the turnover frequency of alcohol products and suppresses the side water–gas shift reaction compared to the K-modified (Co)-MoS2/AC catalyst. While potassium alone hinders crystallite aggregation on carbon supports, its combination with lanthanum balances this effect, optimizing crystallite size and edge site availability. This synergy enhances the formation of active sites necessary for catalytic reaction of higher alcohols synthesis from syngas. The dependence of catalytic activity on both individual and synergistic modifications of (Co)-MoS2/AC by potassium and lanthanum has been thoroughly examined and discussed. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.