Zn-modified copper silicate nanotube-assembled hollow sphere as a high-performance nanoreactor for the hydrogenation of methyl acetate to ethanol

• Published in: Molecular catalysis 2022-11, Vol.532, p.112708, Article 112708
• Main Authors: Xi, Yushan, Hai, Yinhe, Yao, Dawei, Li, Antai, Yang, Wenting, Lv, Jing, Wang, Yue, Ma, Xinbin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Copper catalyst; Ethanol; Hydrogenation; Methyl acetate; Nanoreactor
• ISSN: 2468-8231; 2468-8231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2022.112708

•Zn-doped copper catalysts of nanotube-assembled hollow sphere structure were synthesized.•Cu10Zn1-NAHS exhibited excellent catalytic performance in MA hydrogenation even with the H2/MA ratio of 2.•The decreased H2/MA ratio was originated from enrichment effect of H2 by the NAHS nanoreactor.•The zinc modification by ion exchange significantly increased the surface amount of Cu0 and Cu+ species. In the indirect route of ethanol synthesis from syngas, hydrogenation of methyl acetate (MA) to ethanol is one of the crucial processes. However, it is usually operated with such a high H2/MA ratio of 20-80, leading to a massive energy consumption and high cost of equipment. Here, we used a combination of hydrothermal and ion exchange method to prepare zinc-doped copper silicate nanotube-assembled hollow sphere (NAHS) catalysts for the MA hydrogenation. By modulating the amount of zinc content, it is found the catalyst with Zn/Cu of 1/10 exhibited the best catalytic performance, even with the H2/MA ratio as low as 2, which is the same as the stoichiometric ratio of the reaction. Combined with various characterizations and contrast samples, the enrichment of H2 by NAHS nanoreactor as well as the effect of zinc modification were discussed. This preparation method and understandings may provide guidance in the further rational design of high-performance catalysts. [Display omitted]