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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

    Faseeh Kulangara Kandiyil
    Hend Omar Mohamed
    Kiruthika Jayaseelan

    Related Publications

    Catalytic conversion of crude oil to hydrogen by a one-step process via steam reforming

    by Albuali, Morlanes, Rendón-Patiño, Castaño, Gascon
    Int. J. Hydrog. Energy Year: 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.03.121

    Abstract

    This work presents a multi-functional NiCoCe-based catalyst for crude oil steam reforming for hydrogen production. Arab Light (AL) and Arab Extra Light (AXL) were centrifuged to reduce the asphaltenes and sequentially steam reformed in a fixed bed reactor. Results showed that the NiCoCe catalyst was stable and highly selective under reaction conditions and in cyclic operation. The physicochemical properties of the catalyst were determined via inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The high dispersion of the NiCo alloy on a Mg–Al support was crucial for ensuring the hydrocarbon reforming in the presence of heteroatomic species.

    Keywords

    CRE O2H REF