Heterogeneous catalytic ethanol transformation into chemicals: Some Brazilian contributions

Abstract

Described here are the ethanol heterogeneous catalytic transformations to higher value-added products such as hydrogen (H2), ethylene (C2H4), Guerbet condensation products (mostly 1-butanol), the Lebedev dehydration product 1,3-butadiene, and other relevant products, focusing on catalysts based on non-noble metals. Ethanol catalytic transformation can be a crucial technology in producing organic chemicals and building blocks since it is renewable and fits low-carbon economy requirements. Although promising, much effort is still needed to develop new catalysts, reaction methodologies, and up-scaling, which open new perspectives for intense research and development. Due to the low-cost and high-production of ethanol in Brazil, as well as the energy surplus in the sugarcane mills, research groups in this country are dedicating efforts to develop new ethanol catalytic transformations. However, there remains a need for ethanol valorization into more complex condensed products.