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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

    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