Catalytic upgrading of ethanol to higher alcohols over nickel-modified Cu–La2O3/Al2O3 catalysts

Abstract

A series of nickel and nickel free modified Cu–La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared using a simple wetness impregnation method and applied for the catalytic upgrading of ethanol to higher alcohols. 56.7% ethanol conversion, 76.1% total selectivity to higher alcohols and 43.1% total yield thereof were achieved over the optimal 0.65%NiO–Cu–La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The addition of an appropriate amount of NiO effectively promoted ethanol upgrading to higher alcohols by increasing the amount of surface Cu active species and optimizing the acid–base properties of Cu-based catalysts, thus obviously enhancing the dehydrogenation/hydrogenation capacity, as well as the activity of aldol condensation of the catalysts. This study will provide inspiration or direction for the design of more efficient Cu-based catalysts for the catalytic upgrading of ethanol.