Study of Cu modified Zr and Al mixed oxides in ethanol conversion: The structure-catalytic activity relationship

Here, we study the influence of the Cu modified (Zr + Ce)O2-Al2O3 systems composition and synthesis conditions on their catalytic properties in the ethanol conversion. First, we obtained varios ratios mixed Al-Zr supports at different synthesis temperatures using a sol-gel method. Then we modified the surface of the oxides by Cu, reduced in hydrogen flow. All obtained systems demonstrated а high alcohol conversion and selectivity to acetaldehyde. The surface area (SBET), the pore volume, and the pore distribution were measured by the nitrogen adsorption method. The structure of the samples have been investigated by XRD and XAS-spectroscopy. A correlation between the synthesis temperature and contents of mixed oxide support and textural properties were observed. The results show that Al-Zr mixed oxide support structure plays a crucial role in forming a Cu active site for ethanol dehydrogenation to acetaldehyde. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.