Ethanol to 1,3‐Butadiene Conversion by using ZrZn‐Containing MgO/SiO2 Systems Prepared by Co‐precipitation and Effect of Catalyst Acidity Modification

Abstract The conversion of ethanol to 1,3‐butadiene (1,3‐BD) has been investigated over ZrO 2 ‐ and ZnO‐containing magnesia silica oxides prepared by a co‐precipitation method at different Mg‐to‐Si molar ratios. The effect of reaction temperature and ethanol flow rate was investigated. The catalyst acidity was modified through the addition of alkali metals (Na, K and Li) to the final materials. Catalysts were characterised by nitrogen physisorption analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, infrared spectroscopy and 29 Si/( 7 Li) NMR spectroscopy. The catalytic results showed that the controlled reduction of catalyst acidity allows ethanol dehydration to be suppressed, whilst increasing 1,3‐BD selectivity. The best catalytic performance achieved 72 mol % for the combined 1,3‐BD and acetaldehyde selectivity.