Abstract: Activated carbon supported Mo-based catalysts were prepared and reduced under different activation atmospheres, including pure H₂, syngas (H₂/CO=2/1), and pure CO. The catalysts structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The catalytic performance for the higher alcohol synthesis from syngas was tested. The pure H₂ treatment showed a high reduction capacity. The presence of a large amount of metallic Co⁰. and low valence state Mo^φ+ (0<φ<2) on the surface suggested a super activity for the CO dissociation and hydrogenation, which promoted hydrocarbons formation and reduced the alcohol selectivity. In contrast, the pure CO-reduced catalyst had a low reduction degree. The Mo and Co species at the catalyst mainly existed in the form of Mo⁴⁺ and Co²⁺. The syngas-reduced catalyst showed the highest activity and selectivity for the higher alcohols synthesis. We suggest that the syngas treatment had an appropriate reduction capacity that is between those of pure H₂ and pure CO and led to the coexistence of multivalent Co species as well as the enrichment of Mo^δ+ on the catalyst's surface. The synergistic effects between these active species provided a better cooperativity and equilibrium between the CO dissociation, hydrogenation and CO insertion and thus contributed beneficially to the formation of higher alcohols.