Nano-structured Mn–Al and Co–Al Oxide Materials for Catalytic Ethanol Conversion

Nano-sized mixed oxides of Manganese–aluminum and/ or cobalt–aluminum materials were prepared via co-precipitation method in basic medium associated with ultrasonic radiation to be used as catalysts for ethanol conversion reactions. The prepared materials were physically characterized via different technique. The results established the formation of spinel structure containing Co–Al oxides, while, plate and rod structures for that containing Mn–Al mixed oxides. Acetone is the main converted product at all reaction temperature on the two samples. On using Co–Al sample, the selectivity towards acetone formation reached the maximum value of ~85 % at 200 °C and decreased on increasing the reaction temperature to 500 °C in parallel with the increase in ethylene formation. Mn–Al mixed oxide shows a gradual increase in the selectivity towards the formation of acetone with the increase in reaction temperature (reached ~95 % at 500 °C).