Design and Synthesis of La-Modified Copper Phyllosilicate Nanotubes for Hydrogenation of Methyl Acetate to Ethanol

A novel La modified copper phyllosilicate nanotubes (Cu-PSNT) were designed for hydrogenation of methyl acetate (MA) to ethanol. La/Cu-PSNT catalysts were prepared by the focus on the formation of unique tubular structure and evolution of copper species by varying La loading. The physicochemical properties and distribution of the copper species were systematically studied through several characterizations. The results showed that the Cu-PSNTs catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity in comparison with the catalyst prepared by traditional ammonia-evaporation (AE method). Moreover, the addition of La greatly influenced the dispersion of active copper species and the ratio of Cu-0/(Cu-0 + Cu+) through the strong interplay between copper and lanthanum species. An appropriate amount of La could increase the surface area of active copper and enhance the ability to dissociate H-2 on La/Cu-PSNT catalyst, which were essential to increase the activity and stability in this hydrogenation reaction.