The utilization of bio-ethanol for production of 1-butanol catalysed by Mg–Al mixed metal oxides enhanced by Cu or Co

Abstract The Guerbet reaction is a possible way for transformation of ethanol to 1-butanol (important many kinds industries), which consists four steps: dehydrogenation, aldol condensation, dehydration, and hydrogenation. Due the elimination side-reactions, selective catalysis required favour production at temperature below 350 °C. main aim this work was via heterogeneous using active Mg–Al mixed oxides with copper or cobalt carried out in microflow reactor interval 280–350 novelty lies statistical analysis results from characterization catalyst structure surface providing more sophisticated perspective on valorization. series catalysts containing showed an overall higher conversion selectivity butanol compared cobalt. Major difference catalytic activity low temperatures lower content matrix, significant point view environmentally clean processes. A multi-step mechanism involving condensation verified both tested conditions. Graphic abstract