Work

Study on Process Parameters for Highly Selective Synthesis of Ethanol from Methanol, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the highly selective synthesis of ethanol from methanol, CO2, and H2 over a Ru-Co bimetallic catalyst, focusing on reaction condition optimization, kinetics, scale-up feasibility, and catalyst stability. The optimal reaction conditions were identified as 170 °C, a (CO + CO2)/H2 initial pressure ratio of 1:13.33, a CO/CO2 initial pressure ratio of 1:3, a methanol/catalyst solution mass ratio of 1:18.96, and a reaction time of 1~4 h, at which the space–time yield (STY) of ethanol exceeded 2 g·L−1·h−1 while the ethanol selectivity remained above 93%. Kinetic analysis confirmed the methanol–CO hydrogenation pathway (Ea = 43.42 kJ·mol−1) as the dominant route for ethanol formation, with the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction serving as the temperature-sensitive key step for in situ CO generation. Scale-up from a 20 mL to 3 L reactor showed similar catalytic performance. Notably, the catalyst showed excellent long-term stability over 30 recycling runs (150 cumulative hours). This work provides a mild, efficient, and scalable route for ethanol production from CO2 and methanol, aligned with carbon neutrality strategies.

Source: Chemistry

DOI: 10.3390/chemistry8090124