Hierarchical Echinus-like Cu-MFI Catalysts for Ethanol Dehydrogenation

Copper-based catalysts have been widely considered in the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of ethanol but suffer from deactivation troubles. Herein, a hierarchical echinus-like Cu-MFI-AE catalyst was developed, which exhibited a high yield of acetaldehyde and unprecedented stability. The formation of Cu–O–Si on the interface of Cu and hierarchical MFI avoids the aggregation of Cu nanoparticles and stabilizes the Cu+ species. The Cu+ and Cu0 species perform a synergetic mechanism, with Cu+ involving into acetaldehyde generation and Cu0 serving as H2 liberation sites. The utilization of interfacial interactions is an effective method in stabilizing metal nanoparticles without affecting the active sites for ethanol conversion.