| abstract |
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a copper-based catalyst containing silicon dioxide, wherein copper oxide and lithium oxide are supported thereon. The method comprises: (1) adding a silicon source to deionized water, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 12 with ammonia water; (2) mixing the resulting solution material with a copper salt solution; (3) rapidly adding the resulting mixture to the deionized water at 95-105 ° C, and naturally cooling it; (4) adding the resulting material to ammonia water and subjecting it to ammonia evaporation; (5) subjecting the resulting viscous material to a first drying, washing, second drying and roasting; (6) bringing the resulting material into contact with a lithium salt solution to support lithium; and (7) drying and roasting the resulting material. The catalyst obtained by the process can attain a high conversion rate and a high selectivity to ethylene glycol when it is used for the hydrogenation of an oxalate to prepare ethylene glycol, with the by-product, glycolate, being less than 0.2%, 1,2-butanediol being less than 0.3%, and other impurities not exceeding 0.5% by weight. The invention also relates to a catalyst prepared by the method and its use. |