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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

    Effect of Cofeeding Butane with Methanol on the Deactivation by Coke of a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst

    by Aguayo, Castaño, Mier, Gayubo, Olazar, Bilbao
    Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. Year: 2011

    Abstract

    The deactivation by coke of a HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst has been studied in the transformation of methanol into hydrocarbons by cofeeding butane (n-butane). This reaction is of interest as an energy-neutral integrated process that enhances the activity in the cracking reaction and upgrades the paraffins formed as byproducts. The process was carried out in a fixed-bed reactor under the following conditions: temperature, 550 °C; pressure, 1 bar; space time, 2.4 and 4.8 (g of catalyst) h (mol of CH2)−1; time on stream, 5 h; methanol/butane molar ratio, up to 16/1. The coke was characterized using several analytical techniques (TG–TPO, FTIR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopies), and the effects of cofeeding butane on the coke composition and structure were determined. The results in terms of coke content and composition, are explained in terms of the different pathways of methanol and butane transformation.

    Keywords

    O2H CHA