The catalytic dehydration of 1-butanol on gamma-alumina, zeolites, and Amberlyst ion-exchange resins for the production of di-n-butyl ether (DBE) in a fixed-bed flow reactor was studied at 130-300 degrees C and 1-70 bar. The activity and selectivity of the catalysts were evaluated, and the effects of operating parameters (T, p, and VHSV) on the kinetics of the test reaction were studied for the most active catalyst samples. Based on mass balance data, a conclusion was made that zeolites and Amberlyst ion exchangers are suitable catalysts for DBE production from 1-butanol; at a feed conversion of about 70%, selectivity for DBE was 90%. These DBE yields are reported for the first time to be obtained in a fixed-bed flow reactor. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.