Ethanol conversion to selective high-value hydrocarbons over Ni/HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst

Bio-ethanol is a renewable fuel and can be converted to high-values chemicals. This study showed that more aromatics and gas products could be obtained at a low weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) than that at high WHSV using HZSM-5 and Ni/HZSM-5 catalysts. A low WHSV offered an increased tendency to build up aromatics and paraffins. Real bio-ethanol broth was tested and gave the similar result as pure ethanol solution. That catalysts could retain full catalytic activity after 168 h in reaction provides evidence for their long stability. This study advantageously demonstrates a promising approach to generate high-value products from bio-ethanol. [Display omitted] •HZSM-5 based catalysts were synthesized, characterized, and used to catalyze the ethanol conversion.•Real fermentation bio-ethanol broth was successfully converted to selective high-value hydrocarbons.•Catalysts achieve stable conversion and product selectivity in 168 h reaction.