Abstract The recent advances in higher alcohols from syngas (CO+H2) were overviewed in terms of its catalysts and related processes. In particular, the developments in the Rh-based, modified FT synthesis, modified MeOH synthesis and Mo-based catalysts and their processes in home and abroad were introduced. The effects of catalysts, process conditions on higher alcohol synthesis were also discussed. Among these four categories, the modified FT synthesis catalysts, such as CoCu-based and CuFe-based catalysts, have been greatly improved.
