PdCu nanoalloy supported on alumina: A stable and selective catalyst for the conversion of bioethanol to linear α-alcohols

PdCu/Al2O3 (Pd = 0.1 wt.%, Cu = 0.1 wt.%) catalyst and its monometallic analogues (Pd/Al2O3 and Cu/Al2O3) were prepared by combination of deposition-precipitation and impregnation methods. The structure of the catalysts was studied by means of XRD, TEM, EDS, TPD-NH3, and DRIFTS. In a standard run (275 ○C, 5 h), Cu/Al2O3 converts 11 % of ethanol to α-alcohols with 0.6 % selectivity, whereas Pd/Al2O3 converts 24 % of ethanol to α-alcohols with 70...