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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

    Selective Dealumination of HZSM-5 Zeolite Boosts Propylene by Modifying 1-Butene Cracking Pathway
    Appl. Catal. A: Gen. Year: 2017
    Authors: Ibanez, Epelde, Aguayo, Gayubo, Bilbao, Castaño
    Feature Article.
    • OLG
    • MKM
    Assessment of Thermogravimetric Methods for Calculating Coke Combustion-Regeneration Kinetics of Deactivated Catalyst
    Chem. Eng. Sci. Year: 2017
    Authors: Ochoa, Ibarra, Bilbao, Arandes, Castaño
    • O2H
    • OLG
    • CHA
    • FCC
    • REF
    • MKM
    Catalytic Deactivation Pathways During the Cracking of Glycerol and Glycerol/VGO Blends under FCC Unit Conditions
    Chem. Eng. J. Year: 2017
    Authors: Errekatxo, Ibarra, Gutierrez, Bilbao, Arandes, Castaño
    • O2H
    • W2C
    • CRE
    Simultaneous Coking and Dealumination of Zeolite H-ZSM-5 during the Transformation of Chloromethane into Olefins
    Catal. Sci. Technol. Year: 2016
    Authors: Ibanez, Gamero, Ruiz-Martinez, Weckhuysen, Aguayo, Bilbao, Castaño
    Open Access.
    • O2H
    • HCE
    Dual Coke Deactivation Pathways during the Catalytic Cracking of Raw Bio-Oil and Vacuum Gasoil in FCC Conditions
    Appl. Catal. B: Environ. Year: 2016
    Authors: Ibarra, Veloso, Bilbao, Arandes, Castaño
    Open Access.
    • O2H
    • FCC
    • W2C
    • MKM
    Controlling Coke Deactivation and Cracking Selectivity of MFI Zeolite by H3PO4 or KOH Modification
    Appl. Catal. A: Gen. Year: 2015
    Authors: Epelde, Santos, Florian, Aguayo, Gayubo, Bilbao, Castaño
    Open Access.
    • OLG
    • HCE
    Differences among the Deactivation Pathway of HZSM-5 Zeolite and SAPO-34 in the Transformation of Ethylene or 1-Butene to Propylene
    Micorp. Mesopor. Mat. Year: 2014
    Authors: Epelde, Ibanez, Aguayo, Gayubo, Bilbao, Castaño
    • HCE
    • OLG
    Spatial Distribution of Zeolite ZSM-5 within Catalyst Bodies Affects Selectivity and Stability of Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons Conversion
    ChemCatChem Year: 2013
    Authors: Castaño, Ruiz-Martinez, Epelde, Gayubo, Weckhuysen
    • O2H
    • HCE
    Deactivating Species in the Transformation of Crude Bio-Oil with Methanol into Hydrocarbons on a HZSM-5 Catalyst
    J. Catal. Year: 2012
    Authors: Valle, Castaño, Olazar, Bilbao, Gayubo
    • O2H
    • FCC
    • W2C
    • ANW