Preparation and use of non-chrome catalysts for Cu/Cr catalyst applications

A non-chrome, copper-containing catalyst, Cu-Al-O and method of preparing the same are provided wherein the Cu-Al-O catalyst is prepared by the co-precipitation of copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and sodium aluminate (Na₂Al₂O₄) solutions using sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) as a precipitant. The precipitate is filtered, washed to removed excess sodium, and dried. The dried product, to be used in a powder form, is calcined at a preferred temperature of approximately 700 to 900 C. for approximately 1 to 4 hours. The dry powder, to be tableted or extruded, is calcined at a temperature of approximately 400 to 700 C. The activity of the Cu-Al-O catalyst can be promoted in hydrogenolysis applications by the addition of various agents. The Cu-Al-O catalyst can be employed in applications in place of Cu/Cr, or other copper based catalysts.