Heterogeneous catalyst engineering ⇒ from stable and deactivation resistant to viable technical catalyst

Problem statement

Advances in heterogeneous catalyst “structure” are driven to improve their “function” or performance, i.e., activity, selectivity, and stability. Cooperative research is required to understand the structure and function relationships: developing new synthesis protocols for heterogeneous catalysts with unique surface properties, defined porosity, identification and understanding of catalytically active sites, reaction mechanisms, and finally, prediction and analysis of the processes using various computational tools.

Our group focuses on developing new catalyst formulations using innovative synthesis routes for various important heterogeneous catalysts. That includes thermal, electro, and bio-electro catalysis.

The active phase cannot be used directly in its final application or reactor for various reasons, including poor mechanical resistance, heat or mass transport, and fluidization features. We must mix the active phase with other ingredients in a matrix of binder and filler, while we shape it into a technical catalyst. We investigate new synthetic protocols for technical catalysis using spray drying and fluidized beds to cover the whole range of sizes. At the same time, we incorporate additional (unconventional) ingredients such as SiC to improve some features even further.

Goals

  • Technical catalyst I ⇒ spray drying and extrusion
  • Technical catalyst II ⇒ spray fluidized bed reactor
  • Technical catalyst III ⇒ electrospinning
  • Zeolite catalysts ⇒ with defined structure/porosity
  • Multi-metal (high entropy) alloy catalysts
  • MXene catalysts ⇒ single and multi-dimensional
  • Perovskite catalysts
  • Metal-organic framework (MOFs) catalysts
  • Supported metal/metal-oxide catalysts
  • Aerogel catalyst

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Related Publications

Influence of the Support on the Deactivation of Bifunctional Catalysts (Pt-Pd/Support) in the Hydrocracking of LCO

by Gutierrez, Arandes, Castaño, Aguayo, Bilbao
Chem. Eng. Trans. Year: 2011

Abstract

The deactivation of bifunctional catalysts (Pt-Pd/support) has been studied on the hydrocracking of LCO (light cycle oil, which is a highly aromatic byproduct in the FCC unit). The reactions were performed in a fixed bed reactor using a Pt-Pd catalyst prepared with supports of different acidity and pore structure: B (H-beta zeolite), Y5 , Y 12 (H-USY zeolites with SiO 2 /Al 2 O3 =5 and 12), F (commercial FCC catalyst) and A (γ-Al 2O 3). The operating conditions were: 350 ºC, 50 bar, WHSV= 4 h -1 , H 2 /LCO ratio (n H2) =8.9 and time on stream (TOS) = 300 min. The results show that, once the initial deactivation has been elapsed, the catalyst reach a pseudo-stable state subsequent to TOS = 250 min, with a considerable residual activity that is maintained constant. This residual activity increases as catalyst acidity is increased.

Keywords

W2C HCE HPC