Superconductor Y-Ba-Cu oxides were studied as catalysts that can substitute the noble metal catalysts used in the transformation of exhaust gases (containing hydrocarbons and alcohols) from industrial ovens and motor vehicles. The catalytic conversion of benzyl alcohol was performed on YBa2Cu3O7-x (Y-Ba-Cu-O) in a micro-reactor in the presence of hydrogen at 200-300 degrees C. The catalytic characteristics of Y-Ba-Cu-O were compared with those of cuprates. The structural changes in the catalysts during the reaction were measured by means of XRD and SEM. It was found that the oxidation state of the copper in Y-Ba-Cu-O and cuprates was a considerable factor in the activity in the disproportionation of benzyl alcohol.