Selective bioethanol conversion to chemicals and fuels via advanced catalytic approaches

Abstract

Ethanol is one of the most important organic solvents used as a fuel, chemical, and as an intermediate for organic chemical synthesis. However, its use as a fuel has several drawbacks including corroding the engine, producing lower energy than conventional fuel, and adsorbing water. Hence, it needs to upgrade into a highly efficient fuel such as n-butanol. In addition, the demand for raw materials increases due to the development of current industries such as plastic, solvent, and surfactant industries. However, the fossil resources, the main sources for current raw materials production, are limited and continuously depleted. As a result, the conversion of low-cost biomaterials like bioethanol into high-value raw materials for current industries is a promising perspective. In this chapter, some potential reaction processes in bioethanol conversion including dehydration, oxidation, steam reforming, dehydrogenation, and Guerbet reaction are summarized. These catalytic reactions and ethanol-derived products are discussed to elucidate the current picture of ethanol transformation.