Research progress in catalysts for producing higher alcohols from bioethanol

Compared with ethanol, higher alcohols have the advantages of high cetane number, high energy density, non corrosiveness to engine parts, immiscibility with water, good stability, and other advantages as fuel or fuel additive directly. The conversion of fermentation bioethanol into more valuable higher alcohols has attracted widespread attention. This paper reviewed the research progress of bioethanol to higher alcohols at home and abroad in recent years, including the research and development of metal oxides, hydroxyapatite (HAP) and supported metal catalysts. Finally, the current challenges and future research trends of bioethanol to higher alcohols are summarized and prospected, pointing out that the development of multifunctional catalysts is the focus of future research, and Aldol condensation is an effective strategy to further improve the conversion and selectivity of bioethanol to higher alcohols.