Catalytic Performance of CuO/ZnAl2O4-Al2O3 Catalysts in n-Hexanol Conversion

Aseries of CuO/ZnAl2O4-Al2O3 catalysts with various CuO loading were prepared by an impregnation method. The effect of copper oxide addition for the reaction of n-hexanol was examined. The reactions were carried out at atmospheric pressure in a fixed bed reactor in the temperature range of 533-663 K. Experimental data show that the addition of copper oxide into studied catalysts does improve the activity in dehydrogenation of alcohol. Catalysts containing CuO have both dehydration and dehydrogenation properties, whereas ZnAl2O4-Al2O3 carrier only dehydrates alcohol. Obtained results indicate that the dehydrogenation of n-hexanol over CuO/ZnAl2O4-Al2O3 catalysts proceeds via carboxy intermediate.