Advancements in catalyst design and reactor engineering for efficient olefin synthesis from alcohol (C2+) dehydration

The dehydration of alcohols (C₂₊) into value-added olefins holds significant practical value for the synthesis of basic chemical products (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene) as well as the efficient utilization of non-petroleum resources (e.g., biomass-derived alcohols, coal chemical by-product alcohols). There have been important recent advances in a variety of catalysts and reactors to enhance the preparation of olefins from alcohol (C₂₊) dehydration. Based on this, this review systematically summarized the research progress in the preparation of olefins from alcohol dehydration in recent years. Firstly, we outline the research background related to the preparation of olefins from alcohol dehydration, and emphasize the important prospect of this process for the preparation of olefins. Then, we sort out the reaction mechanisms for the preparation of olefins by alcohol dehydration, of which the two most representative mechanisms are the E1 and E2 mechanisms. Subsequently, we outline the influencing factors (temperature, pressure and catalyst, etc.) for the preparation of olefins by alcohol dehydration. Among them, we highlight the progress of different catalysts including the photothermal catalysts and classical acid catalysts in the preparation of olefins from alcohol dehydration, and systematically organize the reactors used for these catalysts. Finally, we conclude and look forward to the idea that the preparation of olefins from alcohol dehydration requires multiple improvements, which include the use of advanced characterization techniques, the development of efficient catalysts, and the design of reactors, aiming to provide relevant guidance for deepening the understanding of this reaction and realizing large-scale applications in the future.