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

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.