Novel Waste-Derived Cu–Zn/Zeolite A Catalyst for Ethanol Dehydrogenation to Highly Selective Acetaldehyde
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide A sustainable and highly selective catalyst for ethanol dehydrogenation, Cu–Zn/Zeolite A derived from sugarcane bagasse ash (ZA-SBA), was developed using silica-rich agricultural waste as a low-cost precursor for zeolite A synthesis. Zeolite A was crystallized via hydrothermal treatment of SBA-derived precursors and subsequently modified with 15 wt % Cu and 15 wt % Zn using the incipient wetness impregnation method. Comprehensive characterization (XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR, BET, XPS, NH 3 -TPD, NH 3 –FTIR, and CO 2 -TPD) confirmed the successful formation of zeolite A with enhanced crystallinity, surface area, and basicity. CO 2 -TPD analysis revealed a notable increase in medium-to-strong basic sites (32.76 μmol of CO 2 /g), over three times higher than that of the unmodified support. These basic sites, in synergy with highly dispersed Cu and Zn species, facilitated ethanol activation and hydride elimination while suppressing dehydration and etherification side reactions. In gas-phase ethanol dehydrogenation, the Cu–Zn/ZA-SBA catalyst exhibited outstanding performance, achieving 56.5% ethanol conversion and 99.7% selectivity toward acetaldehyde at 350 °C. This superior activity is attributed to the cooperative interaction between Cu and Zn species and the tailored acid–base surface properties of the SBA-derived zeolite A support. The present work demonstrates the valorization of sugarcane bagasse ash into functional zeolitic materials, providing a green, low-cost, and efficient strategy for developing sustainable catalysts for bioethanol upgrading into value-added acetaldehyde.
Source: ACS Omega
Institutions: Ubon Ratchathani University, Nakhon Phanom University, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thammasat University, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand National Metal and Materials Technology Center, Chulalongkorn University
Language: English
Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
Funders: Chulalongkorn University, National Science and Technology Development Agency, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thammasat University, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, National Metal and Materials Technology Center, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand, Thailand Science Research and Innovation, Thailand Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Division of Chemistry
OpenAlex ID: W7155099601