Ni modified K2CO3/MoS2 catalyst was prepared and the performance of higher alcohol synthesis catalyst was investigated under the conditions: T = 280-340 degrees C, H-2/CO (molar radio) = 2.0, GHSV = 3000 h(-1), and P = 10.0 MPa. Compared with conventional K2CO3/MoS2 catalyst, Ni/K2CO3/MoS2 catalyst showed higher activity and higher selectivity to C2+OH. The optimum temperature range was 320-340 degrees C and the maximum space-time yield (STY) of alcohol 0.30 g/ml h was obtained at 320 degrees C. The selectivity to hydrocarbons over Ni/K2CO3/MoS2 was higher, however, it was close to that of K2CO3/MoS2 catalyst as the temperature increased. The results indicated that nickel was an efficient promoter to improve the activity and selectivity of K2CO3/MoS2 catalyst. (C) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.