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Controlling the selectivity–stability tradeoff in zeolite catalysis: oligomerization–alkylation, cracking, and methanol-to-hydrocarbons 


    Problem Statement

    Olefins and aromatics are commodity chemicals used in producing plastics (in the petrochemical industry), lubricants, plasticizers, and surfactants, among other products. However, there is an imbalance between their production and demand, which reactions like oligomerization, alkylation, and cracking over zeolites could help address. At the same time, zeolites serve as excellent catalysts for converting methanol to hydrocarbons (MTH), olefins (MTO), or aromatics (MTA). These processes aim to produce light hydrocarbons such as propylene or to convert ethylene into higher-value alpha-olefins, aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX), and jet fuel.


    Our focus in this project is to synthesize, modify, and develop new catalysts with engineered porosity at multiple scales: from hierarchical and hollow zeolites to catalytic particles, bodies, or technical catalysts intended for implementation. Additionally, we incorporate various metals (e.g., Ni, Cr, Zn) to influence the selectivity toward the desired products.

    We utilize various reactors, including forced dynamic, operando, high-throughput packed-bed, and batch reactors.

    OLG-O2H

    Goals

    • Control the catalyst structure to balance selectivity and stability.
    • Metal modulation: Use Ni, Cr, Zn to bias reaction pathways and improve selectivity to target hydrocarbons.
    • Deactivation control: Reduce coke formation and extend catalyst lifetime with regeneration strategies.
    • Reactor optimization: Shape catalysts into bodies/extrudates and validate 100 h continuous stable operation.

    Related People

    Related Publications

    Quenching the Deactivation in the Methanol-to-Olefin Reaction by Using Tandem Fixed-Beds of ZSM-5 and SAPO-18 Catalysts
    Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. Year: 2020
    Authors: Valecillos, Tabernilla, Sastre, Aguayo, Castaño
    • O2H
    • CRE
    Slowing down the deactivation of H-ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst in the methanol-to-olefin (MTO) reaction by P or Zn modifications
    Catal. Today Year: 2020
    Authors: Valecillos, Epelde, Albo, Aguayo, Bilbao, Castaño
    • O2H
    • HCE
    • CRE
    Kinetic and Deactivation Differences Among Methanol, Dimethyl Ether and Chloromethane as Stock for Hydrocarbons
    ChemCatChem Year: 2019
    Authors: Valecillos, Manzano, Aguayo, Bilbao, Castaño
    • MKM
    • O2H
    Insight into the Deactivation and Regeneration of HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts in the Conversion of Dimethyl Ether to Olefins
    Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. Year: 2018
    Authors: Cordero-Lanzac, Ateka, Perez-Uriarte, Castaño, Aguayo, Bilbao
    • O2H
    • MKM
    Kinetic Model for the Conversion of Chloromethane into Hydrocarbons over a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst
    Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. Year: 2018
    Authors: Gamero, Valle, Gayubo, Castaño, Aguayo, Bilbao
    • MKM
    • O2H
    Reaction Network of the Chloromethane Conversion into Light Olefins using a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst
    J. Ind. Eng. Chem. Year: 2018
    Authors: Gamero, Valle, Castaño, Aguayo, Bilbao
    • O2H
    • MKM
    Simultaneous Modeling of the Kinetics for n-Pentane Cracking and the Deactivation of a HZSM-5 Based Catalyst
    Chem. Eng. J. Year: 2018
    Authors: Cordero-Lanzac, Aguayo, Gayubo, Castaño, Bilbao
    • O2H
    • CHA
    • MKM
    SAPO-18 and SAPO-34 Catalysts for Propylene Production from the Oligomerization-Cracking of Ethylene or 1-Butene
    Appl. Catal. A: Gen. Year: 2017
    Authors: Epelde, Ibanez, Valecillos, Aguayo, Gayubo, Bilbao, Castaño
    • OLG
    • HCE
    Nature and Location of Carbonaceous Species in a Composite HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst during the Conversion of Dimethyl Ether into Light Olefins
    Catalysts Year: 2017
    Authors: Ibanez, Perez-Uriarte, Sanchez-Contador, Cordero-Lanzac, Aguayo, Bilbao, Castaño
    Open Access.