Nickel and potassium co-modified β-Mo2C catalysts were prepared and used for CO hydrogenation reaction. The major products over β-Mo2C were C1-C4 hydrocarbons, only few alcohols were obtained. Addition of potassium resulted in remarkable selectivity shift from hydrocarbons to alcohols at the expense of CO conversion over β-Mo2C. Moreover, it was found that potassium enhanced the ability of chain propagation with a higher C2+OH production. Modified by nickel, β-Mo2C showed a relatively high CO conversion, however, the products were similar to those of pure β-Mo2C. When co-modified by nickel and potassium, β-Mo2C exhibited high activity and selectivity towards mixed alcohols synthesis, and also the whole chain propagation to produce alcohols especially for the stage of C1OH to C2OH was remarkably enhanced. It was concluded that the Ni and K had, to some extent, synergistic effect on CO conversion. Nickel and potassium co-modified β-Mo2C catalysts were prepared and used for CO hydrogenation reaction. The major products over β-Mo2C were C1-C4 hydrocarbons, only a few of the alcohols were obtained. Addition of potassium resulted in remarkable selectivity shift from hydrocarbons to alcohols at the expense of CO conversion over β-Mo2C. Moreover, it was found that potassium enhanced the ability of chain propagation with a higher C2 + OH production. Modified by nickel, β-Mo2C showed a relatively high CO conversion, however, the products were similar to those of pure β-Mo2C. When co-modified by nickel and potassium, β-Mo2C exhibited high activity and selectivity towards mixed alcohols synthesis, and also the whole chain propagation to produce gases especially for the stage of C1OH to C2OH was remarkably enhanced. It was concluded that the Ni and K had, to some extent, synergistic effect on CO conversion.