Synthesis, characterization, and use of Nb(V)/Ce(IV)-mixed oxides in the direct carboxylation of ethanol by using pervaporation membranes for water removal

Angela Dibenedetto; Michele Aresta; Antonella Angelini; Jayashree Ethiraj; Brunella Maria Aresta

doi:10.1002/chem.201201561

Synthesis, characterization, and use of Nb(V)/Ce(IV)-mixed oxides in the direct carboxylation of ethanol by using pervaporation membranes for water removal

Chemistry. 2012 Aug 13;18(33):10324-34. doi: 10.1002/chem.201201561. Epub 2012 Jul 31.

Authors

Angela Dibenedetto¹, Michele Aresta, Antonella Angelini, Jayashree Ethiraj, Brunella Maria Aresta

Affiliation

¹ Dipartimento di Chimica, University of Bari, Campus Universitario, 70126 Bari, Italy. a.dibenedetto@chimica.uniba.it

PMID: 22851222
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201201561

Abstract

New catalytic systems based on ceria have been used in the direct carboxylation of ethanol. The catalytic behavior of Al(2)O(3) and Nb(2)O(5) loaded ceria is compared, the latter showing a better performance. A morphological and structural study has been carried out on Nb(2)O(5)/CeO(2) catalysts in order to explain their behavior in catalysis. Pervaporation membranes have been used for water separation. The synthesis of diethylcarbonate (DEC) has been carried out either in a liquid phase (ethanol) pressurized with CO(2) or in supercritical conditions. A set-up has been developed that allows the production of quite pure DEC (>90%) with recycling of CO(2) and ethanol.