Catalytic amination of diethylene glycol with tertiarybutylamine over Ni–Al2O3 catalysts with different Ni/Al ratios

The catalytic amination of diethylene glycol (DEG) with tertiarybutylamine (TBA) to tertiarybutylaminoethoxyethanol (TBEE) was investigated on Ni-Al2O3 heterogeneous catalysts that were prepared using the co-precipitation method. The catalytic performances of these Ni-Al2O3 catalysts were considerably influenced by the Ni/Al ratios as well as the calcination temperature and reduction temperature of the catalysts. The catalyst with a Ni/Al ratio of 1 : 1 that was calcined at 450 degrees C (NiAl-1.0-450), and reduced at 550 degrees C, exhibited a high activity and selectivity to TBEE. Based on the characterization, the activities were due to the action of the NiAl2O4 spinel in combination with NiO, which improved the stability of Ni(0), and the presence of both acidic and basic sites in the catalysts was also indispensable for this catalytic system.