Effect of the Incorporation of Cu and Ni over ZrO2 on the Direct Synthesis of DEC (diethyl carbonate) from CO2 and Ethanol

Cu-Ni/ZrO₂ bimetallic and monometallic catalysts were prepared and evaluated in the direct synthesis of diethyl carbonate from carbon dioxide and ethanol. The  catalytic activity was increased with addition of Cu and Ni in 3:1 and 2:1 molar ratio improving the acidity strength and the concentration of basic sites of ZrO₂.