Selective synthesis of light hydrocarbons from synthesis gas (syngas) over hybrid catalysts based on the Cu-Zn oxide and Pd-beta zeolite in a near-critical phase was investigated. Light hydrocarbons were directly synthesized from syngas over the catalysts through an intermediate of methanol or DME. Introduction of near-critical fluid remarkably decreased the yield of CO2 by suppressing the water-gas shift reaction. Differences in activity, CO2 selectivity, hydrocarbon distributions, catalyst stability and heat transfer between near-critical and conventional gas phase light hydrocarbons synthesis were compared. Efficient removal of reaction heat increased the stability of the catalysts and selectivity of light hydrocarbons in the reaction. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.