On Zn2+/Si-CLR sample, the main product of ethanol decomposition is acetaldehyde. At 390-degrees-C, 85 wt.-% of ethanol is converted, acetaldehyde selectivity is about 80%. Alkaline metal cation modification can decrease the acidity of Si-CLR and thus reduce the ethanol dehydration and simultaneously increase ethanol dehydrogenation yields. The dehydrogenation active sites on M(n+)/Si-CLR may be the balancing metal cation or its complex with clay sheet.