Abstract
The catalytic conversion of ethanol was carried out over H sub(3)PMo sub(12)O sub(40) super(.)x sub(2)O (H sub(3)PMo) and its substituted copper ions with formula Cu sub(0.5)x sub(3-)xMo sub(12)O sub(40) (where x = 1, 2 and 3). Pure and Cu-substituted catalyst samples were calcined at 350 degree C. The effect of copper ions substitution on the thermal behaviour, structural, acidic, surface and catalytic properties of the investigated samples were studied using TG, DSC, FTIR, pyridine adsorption at 25 degree C, N sub(2) adsorption at -196 degree C. Maximum selectivity of diethyl ether and the second major reaction product ethylene was obtained at 350 degree C. The substitution of copper in the H sub(3)PMo resulted in increase of the selectivity towards diethyl formation to attain a maximum value using Cu sub(2)PMo-350 catalyst. Very high diethyl ether over ethylene yield values obtained in this study at 350 degree C are highly promising for the production of petrochemicals from ethanol.