Bioethanol valorization via its gas phase oxidation over Au &/or Ag supported on various oxides

Au and Ag nanoparticles supported on CeO2, SiO2 and ZrO2 were examined for bioethanol oxidation with air. Catalysts prepared were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Catalytic behavior was evaluated between 200-350 degrees C and 5 atm with gas hourly space velocity of 18,000 mL g(cat)(-1) h(-1) Au/ZrO2 and Au/CeO2 were found to be more active than other catalysts. Less activity of Ag/ZrO2 and Au-Ag/ZrO2 is attributed to facile oxidation of Ag under aerobic conditions. Acetaldehyde selectivity follows the order: Au/CeO2 > Ag/ZrO2 > Au-Ag/ZrO2 > Au/ZrO2 > Au/SiO2 under optimal conditions. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.