Fast Preparation of Ethylene Glycol via Catalytic Hydration with Niobia-containing Catalyst

摘要

The niobium oxide supported on α-alumina is found to be an effective catalyst for selective catalytic hydration of EO under mild conditions. The preparation of MEG can be finished within 6 minutes and the yield reached 91%. The acidity of the catalysts is much weaker than that of Nb_2O_5 and apparently influences the properties of the catalysts. Calcination temperature is an important parameter that controls the activation of supported niobium oxide catalysts. TT-Nb_2O_5 formed over 600°C is ineffective to the hydration of ethylene oxide. Calcination temperature for preparation of the catalysts is preferred in the range of 300-450°C.