​​

Controlling selectivity and stability of zeolite catalysts for methanol to hydrocarbons and ethylene oligomerization


    Problem Statement

    Olefins are commodity chemicals with applications in the production of plastics (petrochemical industry), lubricants, plasticizers, and surfactants, among many others. However, there is an imbalance between their production and demand, which oligomerization-cracking reactions over zeolites could solve. At the same time, zeolites are excellent catalysts for methanol to hydrocarbons (MTH), olefins (MTO), or aromatics (MTA). The processes aim to produce light hydrocarbons like propylene or convert ethylene into higher-value a-olefins, aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX), and jet fuel.

    Our focus in this project is to modify, synthesize, and develop novel materials of different porosity (engineered at the multiscale): from hierarchical zeolites, nano zeolites, and hollow zeolites to catalytic particles, bodies, spray-dried, and extrudates with tuned properties. Additionally, we incorporate different metals (i.e., Ni, Cr, Zn) to adjust the selectivity of desired products.

    We use various reactors, such as operando or high-throughput packed-bed and batch reactors.

    OLG-O2H

    Goals

    • Control structure–selectivity: Tune zeolite porosity and acidity to maximize propylene and α-olefin yields.
    • 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

    Hend Omar Mohamed
    Kiruthika Jayaseelan

    Related Publications

    Kinetic Model for the Conversion of Chloromethane into Hydrocarbons over a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst

    by Gamero, Valle, Gayubo, Castaño, Aguayo, Bilbao
    Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. Year: 2018

    Abstract

    The conversion of chloromethane into hydrocarbons over a HZSM-5 zeolite based catalyst is investigated with the aim of establishing a kinetic model suitable for simulating this process for indirect valorization of the methane contained in shale gas. The experimental data were obtained in an isothermal fixed bed reactor under a wide range of operating conditions: temperature, 300–450 °C; space-time, 1–12 gcatalyst h/molCH2; chloromethane partial pressure, 0.375–1.5 atm; and time on stream, up to 255 min. The reaction scheme is composed of eight components and lumps (chloromethane, C2–C4 olefins, C2–C4 paraffins, C5–C10 aliphatics, aromatics BTX, methane, hydrochloric acid, and chlorinated hydrocarbons), which are involved in ten single reactions. The catalyst deactivation by coke deposition has been quantified by an equation, which is dependent on the concentration of chloromethane in the reaction medium. The kinetic model is suitable for predicting accurately the effect that reaction conditions have on products distribution and their evolution with time on stream.

    Keywords

    MKM O2H