Developments of catalysts for the direct conversion of aqueous ethanol to butadiene

1,3-Butadiene is an important chemical raw material, especially with its large market demand as the main monomer for rubber tires. It is mainly produced by the thermal cracking of naphtha as a by-product of olefin production. The production process faces dual pressures of petroleum resource consumption and environmental issues. Ethanol, a renewable resource, offers a strategy for green, low-carbon, economical, and sustainable production of butadiene under the "dual carbon" context. This review summarizes the reaction mechanisms, catalyst types, recent research progress, and existing challenges related to the direct conversion of ethanol to butadiene (ETB). It focuses specifically on how water affects catalysts during the direct conversion of aqueous ethanol to butadiene (AETB), offering fresh perspectives and methods for creating effective and hydrophobic catalysts.