ZrO2-CeO2 oxide catalysts for the ethanol to n-butanol condensation

What is it about?

Ethanol conversion into n-butanol was performed over ZrO2-CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts. The effect of ceria content on the acid-base and catalytic properties of ZrO2-CeO2 compositions has been studied. The introduction of CeO2 additives into zirconia stabilizes the tetragonal phase of ZrO2 leading to an increase in basicity of the samples and, as a result, increases the activity of catalysts towards n-butanol. The highest ethanol conversion, selectivity and the rate of n-butanol formation were obtained over the ZrO2-CeO2 sample with 10% of ceria, which exhibited the highest concentration and strength of base sites. This sample consists of a solid solution of ZrO2-CeO2, whereas at higher concentrations of additive, CeO2 forms an individual phase.

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