Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared using a solvent-free routine.
The physicochemical properties of catalysts depended on the type and amount of fuel.
The catalyst prepared using citric acid has a larger Cu metal surface area.
Catalysts have a larger Cu metal surface area with increasing amount of citric acid.
Catalyst using citric acid/salts = 1.25 (molar ratio) exhibited the highest activity.