Direct production of ethanol from glycerol over Ni-substituted stichtite derived catalysts

Ethanol is a widely used chemical and its primary source is via the fermentation of crops (such as corn, sorghum, rice and barley) or biomass (such as sugarcane). Direct production of ethanol from over-supplying glycerol is of great significance. In this research, we want to report a synthesis route of ethanol from glycerol over a series of Ni-substituted stichtite derived Ni/MgCr2O4 catalysts. The best yield of ethanol reached 0.50 g-ethanol/g-cat/h at 250 °C over Ni2.4/Mg3.7Cr2.0O6.7. The transformation process from Ni-substituted stichtite to Ni/MgCr2O4 catalysts was characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, XPS and TEM. Characterization results inferred that the formation of MgCrO4 in calcined precursor played a crucial role for Ni dispersion and catalytic performance in the production of ethanol. Reaction mechanism for the formation of ethanol from glycerol was proposed.