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Catalytic conversion and value-added utilization of ethanol – opening up new paths for green chemistry. The research group led by Professor Ni Jun from Zhejiang University of Technology has been dedicated to the efficient catalytic conversion and high-value utilization of alcohol-based raw materials (especially ethanol and methanol), with a focus on promoting the expansion and upgrading of the downstream industrial chain for ethanol. Using ethanol or methanol + ethanol as raw materials, we have successfully achieved the efficient synthesis of various high-value chemicals, including higher-carbon alcohols (n-butanol, n-hexanol, isobutanol, etc.), higher-carbon olefins (1,3-butadiene, isobutylene, isoprene, etc.), and methyl esters (methyl formate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, etc.). The key achievements are as follows: 🔥 Technical breakthroughs and industrial advantages 1. Superior efficiency in higher-carbon alcohol synthesis: In a fixed-bed reactor, at 250 °C and 2 MPa, an ethanol conversion rate of 62% was achieved, with a total yield of higher-carbon alcohols of 48% (including n-butanol, n-hexanol, and 2-ethylbutanol), demonstrating excellent catalytic efficiency and product control capabilities. 2. Record-breaking synthesis performance of butadiene: in a fixed-bed reactor, at 375 °C and atmospheric pressure, the ethanol conversion rate reached 99.5%, with a butadiene yield of 65.2% ； When the temperature is raised to 400 °C, the butadiene production capacity reaches 3.88 – which is 26 times higher than the industrial application benchmark value, and 5.1 times higher than the highest activity level reported in similar studies; thus it possesses significant industrial competitiveness. 3. We pioneered a new technology for the co-conversion of methanol and ethanol. We were the first to develop an innovative approach for directly synthesizing methyl esters or isobutanol from methanol and ethanol: (1) At 250°C and 2 MPa, the conversion rate of ethanol was 81%, while the overall yield of methyl esters was 72% ； (2) At 350°C and 2 MPa, the ethanol conversion rate was 70%, and the isobutanol selectivity reached 56%. This technology provides a new solution for the synergistic conversion of alcohols, enhancing the flexibility of raw materials and the diversity of products. 💡 Value of cooperation and market prospects: As a platform molecule derived from renewable biomass, the high-value transformation of ethanol is a key aspect of the green transformation in the chemical industry today. Our technology not only increases the added value of ethanol but also helps enterprises extend their industrial chains, reduce their reliance on raw materials, and develop high-profit product lines; it is applicable to various high-growth sectors such as fine chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, new energy materials, and biodegradable plastics. If your company is planning to develop the downstream industries related to ethanol, seeking technological upgrades, or developing new products, we sincerely look forward to engaging in technical exchanges, pilot tests, or industrial cooperation with you, in order to advance the commercialization of ethanol catalytic conversion technologies and jointly create a new future for green chemistry. Contact: Junni@zjut.edu.cn.