Selective oxidation of alcohols over Ag-containing Si3N4 catalysts

► New Ag-containing catalytic systems based on modified by Al and Zr and unmodified silicon nitride ceramic material. ► The ceramic supports prepared by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. ► Catalysts for ethanol and ethylene glycol selective oxidation to acetaldehyde and glyoxal. ► The presence of Fe-containing impurities on the support surface effects on the direction of alcohol transformation. ► The high catalytic efficiency in ethanol selective oxidation to acetaldehyde (ca. 95% yield at 300 °C).