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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

    Reaction Network of the Chloromethane Conversion into Light Olefins using a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst

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

    Abstract

    The second step of chlorine-mediated methane valorization into hydrocarbons has been investigated using a HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst. A parametric study has enabled to set the reaction network, which is dominated by the dual cycle mechanism and secondary reactions of light olefins. This network explains the formation of methane, light olefins, C5+ aliphatics, paraffins, aromatics and coke. Under the optimal conditions, the light olefin selectivity is >70%, of which >40% corresponds to propylene. Coke is originated in the zeolite micropores and then grows within the matrix meso- and macropores.

    Keywords

    O2H MKM