Zeolite catalysts in upgrading of bioethanol to fuels range hydrocarbons: A review

The re-ignited trend of global bioethanol production indicated that new valorization paths are necessary. Bioethanol upgrading into fuel range hydrocarbons (FRH) via catalytic dehydration represents an alternative for handling the challenges associated with the blending options. The paper carefully examined the recent literature on the role of zeolite catalysts during the reaction. Effects of parameters like catalyst topology and textural properties, modification with metals, acidity and reaction conditions in enhancing the yield of FRH were critically examined. The influence of these parameters on the reaction mechanism was also simultaneously discussed. The paper finally presented an outlook on new research paths. (C) 2015 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.