Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol to Oxygen-Containing Value-Added Chemicals

Abstract

Ethanol, mainly produced from the yeast fermentation of biomass, is one of the most important renewable building blocks for synthesizing value-added chemicals. Different pathways of ethanol conversion, including dehydrogenation, C–C bond coupling, aromatization, hydrogen transfer, dehydration, etc., can be achieved over a variety of catalysts. In this Perspective, we focus on the catalytic one-pot ethanol conversion processes for producing oxygen-containing value-added chemicals. The details include the catalyst design strategy, selectivity manipulation, and mechanism investigation. We hope this Perspective will inspire future catalyst design for reactions by tailoring the C–H bond, C–O bond, or O–H bond and shed light on industry applications with carbon neutrality.

Thermodynamic Analysis of the Main Reactions Involved in the Synthesis of Organosilanes

“…The reaction of ethanol and silicon is similar to that of methanol, both using copper-based catalysts. However, ethanol undergoes catalytic dehydrogenation to produce acetaldehyde on copper catalysts (C 2 H 5 OH → CH 3 CHO + H 2 , Δ r H θ = 68.75 kJ/mol, Δ r G θ = 38.95 kJ/mol). Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the reaction process and optimal reaction conditions of silicon and ethanol.…”

A thorough mechanistic study of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethylene adsorption on Cu-MOR via DFT analysis

“…Ethanol, a crucial biofuel derived from biomass fermentation or synthetic chemical methods, holds a paramount role in advancing sustainable energy production, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing fossil fuel dependency, promoting eco-friendly chemical engineering, and enhancing the efficacy of biofuels and chemical manufacturing. 1,2 During ethanol oxidation, acetaldehyde serves as a pivotal intermediate with diverse applications in the chemical industry, contributing to the production of various compounds, including acetic acid, dyes, and resins. 3,4 Additionally, ethanol is converted into ethylene, a pivotal industrial chemical employed in the production of plastics, rubber, solvents, and various chemical products.…”

In-Depth Understanding of Highly Active Silicotungstic Acid Catalysts for Ethanol Dehydration to Ethylene under Industrially Favorable Conditions

“…Ethylene is an important commodity, with a number of key derivatives, such as polyethylene, vinyl chloride, ethylene oxide, ethylbenzene, and poly­(ethylene terephthalate). , Nowadays, ethylene is primarily produced by steam cracking of ethane, liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, and other petroleum-based feedstocks . With the depletion of oil resource, the ethanol dehydration to ethylene (ETE) process provides an alternative route to produce ethylene beyond the conventional hydrocarbon-cracking process. − Compared with the high single-train capacity (>1500 kt/a) of steam cracking technology, the ETE process is more flexible, satisfying the needs of small and medium sized scale. , Besides, the ETE process can be conducted in fixed-bed reactor, operating at mild temperatures and pressures, achieving highly purified ethylene …”