Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Supervisor
Herrera, José E.
Abstract
The catalytic upgrading of ethanol to n-butanol and butadiene offers a potentially sustainable method for producing platform molecules. These processes involve complex reaction pathways that require finely tuned catalysts to minimize unwanted byproducts. Despite significant research, the roles of active sites in regulating key mechanisms remain uncertain. This study focuses on mixed metal oxide catalysts, MgAlO for n-butanol and MgSiO2 for butadiene, to investigate how catalyst composition modifications influence product formation. Through reaction activity tests, in situ FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and active site titration, correlations were established between catalyst configuration and performance. Results demonstrate that butanol formation over MgAlO correlates with the density of strong basic sites, whereas butadiene formation depends more on acid-base pair interactions. Although the reaction pathways are similar, the differing roles of active sites provide critical insights for optimizing catalysts to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of ethanol upgrading processes.
Summary for Lay Audience
Ethanol, a renewable alcohol produced from plant-based materials, can be transformed into valuable chemicals like n-butanol and butadiene. These molecules are crucial for making fuels, plastics, synthetic rubber, and other everyday products. Converting ethanol into these chemicals offers a potentially more sustainable alternative to processes that depend on fossil fuels. Transforming ethanol to these platform chemicals is quite challenging, requiring precise control of reaction systems to ensure the right chemicals are made without unwanted byproducts. To achieve this feat, catalysts can be used to modify the reaction environment to speed up reactions by providing specific sites where the reactions can occur.
This study focuses on mixed metal oxide catalysts containing magnesium oxide, these materials can be used for butanol and butadiene production. The goal was to better understand how these catalysts work and how tuning their properties could enhance their ability to selectively produce these value added chemicals. Catalytic activity tests measured the efficiency of these reactions, while advanced spectroscopic and gravimetric techniques provided molecular-level insights into catalyst properties. The results obtained advance the understanding of these processes, paving the way for more efficient technologies that convert renewable ethanol into valuable chemicals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting a sustainable future.
Recommended Citation
Hucal, Adrian M., "Tuning of acid/base functionalities in MgO-based Catalysts for Sustainable Ethanol Conversion to n-Butanol and Butadiene" (2025). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10730.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10730