title: Synthesis, characterization, and use of Nb(V)/Ce(IV)-mixed oxides in the direct carboxylation of ethanol by using pervaporation membranes for water removal.
abstract: New catalytic systems based on ceria have been used in the direct carboxylation of ethanol. The catalytic behavior of Al(2)O(3) and Nb(2)O(5) loaded ceria is compared, the latter showing a better performance. A morphological and structural study has been carried out on Nb(2)O(5)/CeO(2) catalysts in order to explain their behavior in catalysis. Pervaporation membranes have been used for water separation. The synthesis of diethylcarbonate (DEC) has been carried out either in a liquid phase (ethanol) pressurized with CO(2) or in supercritical conditions. A set-up has been developed that allows the production of quite pure DEC (>90%) with recycling of CO(2) and ethanol.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Chimica, University of Bari, Campus Universitario, 70126 Bari, Italy. a.dibenedetto@chimica.uniba.it
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dibenedetto
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aresta
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Angelini
authors.forename: Jayashree
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ethiraj
authors.forename: Brunella Maria
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Aresta