Catalysis of CexZr1–xO2 for di-iso-propyl-ether hydration

The catalytic potential of CexZr1–xO2 in isopropyl ether (DIPE) hydration was explored. While the acidic H-zeolite catalyst was favorable for propylene formation through carbenium ion mechanism, Ce-ZSM-5 and CexZr1–xO2 catalysts improved product selectivity of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) through redox mechanism. The catalytic property of CexZr1–xO2 depended on the preparation method and variable, type of cerium precursor and Ce/Zr ratio. By means of characterizations with X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption isotherms and NH3 temperature programmed desorption, tetragonal phase of CexZr1–xO2 was proposed as the active phase in which CeO2 and ZrO2 catalyzed synergistically the DIPE hydration with IPA product selectivity. The CexZr1–xO2 prepared from cerium sulfate precursor with co-precipitation hydrothermal method exhibited maximum catalytic activity and IPA product selectivity. The precursor effect was attributed to the stabilization of SO42– species on the tetragonal phase of CexZr1–xO2 and super solid acidity.

Graphical AbstractCexZr1–xO2 prepared from cerium sulfate precursor with co-precipitation hydrothermal method exhibited maximum catalytic activity and IPA product selectivityFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide