Synthesis of copper-silica nanosized catalysts for 2-butanol dehydrogenation and optimization of preparation parameters by response surface method

CuO/SiO2 nanosized catalysts prepared by precipitation method showed high and stable performance in 2-butanol dehydrogenation to MEK. Central composite design (CCD) was used for optimization of preparation conditions. The pH and temperature of precipitation stage were found to have great influence on the 2-butanol conversion compared to other preparation parameters. The optimum parameters for maximum MEK yield were estimated as: T = 49.05 °C, pH = 5.8 and Cu percent = 37.57%.