No-Glycerol rapid heterogeneous biodiesel production on K<Subscript>2</Subscript>CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalyst by coupling process

Biodiesel containing almost no glycerol has been produced by coupling reaction carried out over K₂CO₃ supported by calcium oxide as solid base catalysts. The solid base catalysts synthesized by wet impregnation exhibit an exceedingly high activity in biodiesel production. It was found that the reaction time required for the highest yield of biodiesel, 99.2%, can be shortened to 30 min over K₂CO₃/Al₂O₃ under the optimum reaction conditions: 8: 1: 1 molar ratio of methanol/DMC/oil, 30 wt % K₂CO₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst, and 65°C reaction temperature. Solid basic catalysts examined in the study were characterized by BET surface area, XRD, CO₂-TPD, and SEM techniques. The strong interaction between K₂CO₃ and the support yields a new basic active site, which can be probably responsible for the high activity of K₂CO₃/Al₂O₃.     

Super rapid preparation of biodiesel over highly dispersed K2CO3 supported by LDH

A new heterogeneous K₂CO₃ supported by a layered double hydroxide (LDH), Mg–Al hydrotalcite, was prepared and used as a catalyst for the biodiesel preparation by a tri-component coupling transesterification of methanol, vegetable oil, and methyl acetate. K₂CO₃/Mg-Al exhibits high catalytic activities, and biodiesel yield can reach 99.48% within 20 min under 60°C, with 6 wt.% of K₂CO₃/Mg-Al, 1:1:12 molar ratio of rapeseed oil, methyl acetate, and methanol. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen physical adsorption, thermogravimetry analysis, and CO₂-chemical adsorption were used to assess the physical properties of the prepared K₂CO₃/Mg-Al. Using the tri-component coupling transesterification, 12.2% cost reduce can be get by reducing the cost from 8458 to 7424 ¥/t compared with di-component transesterification containing oil and methanol as resource.     

Phase equilibrium data and thermodynamic modeling of the system (CO2 + biodiesel + methanol) at high pressures

The main objective of this work was to investigate the high pressure phase behavior of the binary systems {CO₂(1) + methanol(2)} and {CO₂(1) + soybean methyl esters (biodiesel)(2)} and the ternary system {CO₂(1) + biodiesel(2) + methanol(3)} were determined. Biodiesel was produced from soybean oil, purified, characterized and used in this work. The static synthetic method, using a variable-volume view cell, was employed to obtain the experimental data in the temperature range of (303.15 to 343.15) K and pressures up to 21 MPa. The mole fractions of carbon dioxide were varied according to the systems as follows: (0.2383 to 0.8666) for the binary system {CO₂(1) + methanol(2)}; (0.4201 to 0.9931) for the binary system {CO₂(1) + biodiesel(2)}; (0.4864 to 0.9767) for the ternary system {CO₂(1) + biodiesel(2) + methanol(3)} with a biodiesel to methanol molar ratio of (1:3); and (0.3732 to 0.9630) for the system {CO₂ + biodiesel + methanol} with a biodiesel to methanol molar ratio of (8:1). For these systems, (vapor + liquid), (liquid + liquid), (vapor + liquid + liquid) transitions were observed. The phase equilibrium data obtained for the systems were modeled using the Peng–Robinson equation of state with the classical van der Waals (PR-vdW2) and Wong-Sandler (PR–WS) mixing rules. Both thermodynamic models were able to satisfactorily correlate the phase behavior of the systems investigated and the PR–WS presented the best performance.     

Kinetics of carbon dioxide absorption from air in a flow reactor with a fixed bed of K<Subscript>2</Subscript>CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-based sorbent

Sorption of carbon dioxide from air in a flow reactor with a bulky fixed bed of the K₂CO₃/Al₂O₃ composite sorbent was studied. The dynamic sorption capacity of the material was shown to depend on the relative humidity of the inlet air. A numerical model was constructed for evaluating the profile of СО₂ concentration in the layer and kinetic curves of CO₂ breakthrough at the outlet of the reactor. The results of simulation allowed us to adequately describe the experimental kinetic curves at 20–40% humidity.     

Atenolol sequestration using activated carbon derived from gasified Glyricidia sepium

Activated carbon (AC) derived from gasified Glyricidia sepium woodchip (GGSWAC) was prepared using KOH and CO₂ activation via microwave radiation technique to remove atenolol (ATN) from aqueous solution. The surface area (S_BET) and total pore volume (TPV) of GGSWAC were 483.07 m²/g and 0.255 cm³, respectively. The n-BET model fits well with the isothermal data indicating a multilayer adsorption with the saturation capacity of 121, 143 and 163 mg/g at 30, 45 and 60 °C, respectively. The kinetic study showed that ATN adsorption followed Avrami model equation (R² ≅ 0.99). Based on the thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption of ATN onto GGSWAC was endothermic (ΔH_S = 234.17 kJ/mol) in the first layer of adsorption and exothermic in the subsequent layer (ΔH_L = −165.62 kJ/mol). The ATN adsorption was controlled by both diffusion and chemisorption. In continuous operation, the Thomas (R² = 0.9822) and Yoon–Nelson (R² = 0.9817) models successfully predicted the ATN adsorption.     

Gas permeability,diffusivity, solubility,and aging characteristics of 6FDA-durene polyimide membranes

We have determined the intrinsic gas transport properties of He, H₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO₂ for a 6FDA-durene polyimide as a function of pressure, temperature and aging time. The permeability coefficients of O₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO₂ decrease slightly with increasing pressure. The pressure-dependent diffusion coefficients and solubility coefficients are consistent with the dual-sorption model and partial immobilization. All the gas permeabilities increase with temperature and their apparent activation energies for permeation increase with increasing gas molecular sizes in the order of CO₂, O₂, N₂, and CH₄.The percentages of permeability decay after 280 days of aging are 22, 32, 36, 40, 42, and 30% for He, H₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO₂, respectively. Interestingly, except for H₂ (kinetic diameter of 2.89 Å), the percentages of permeability decay increase exactly in the order of He (kinetic diameter of 2.6 Å), CO₂ (3.30 Å), O₂ (3.46 Å), N₂ (3.64 Å), and CH₄ (3.80 Å). The apparent activation energies of permeation for O₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO₂ increase with aging because of the increases in activation energies of diffusion and the decreases in solubility coefficients. The activation-energy increase for diffusion is probably due to the decrease in polymeric molar volume because of densification during aging. The reduction in solubility coefficient indicates the available sites for sorption decreasing with aging because of the reduction of microvoids and interstitial chain space.     

Sodium and potassium silicate-based catalysts prepared using sand silica concerning biodiesel production from waste oil

Heterogeneous catalysts, named SPS (sodium potassium silicates), were synthesized with an alternative silica (MPI silica) obtained from beach sand. In this work, the MPI was modified with NaOH and KOH producing silicate-based catalyst for biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil (WCO). The obtained catalyst was characterized by XRD, CO₂-TPD, the Hammett basicity test, XRF, FESEM, EDX, FTIR and TG/DTG. The results confirmed the presence of K₂O/Na₂O oxides and their silicates, the main active sites responsible for the catalytic action. CO₂-TPD and the Hammett basicity data suggested the presence of weak, medium and strong basic sites. Biodiesel yield was about 92% and the SPS catalyst was reused for five cycles. The biodiesel conversion by NMR ¹H was about 93.89%. The DTG deconvolution revealed the decomposition of four typical biodiesel compounds (R² = 0.9987). The method applied for the WCO biodiesel production using SPS catalyst represents an environmentally friendly process, based on low-cost material and reuse of waste biomass.     

Methane-fueled SOFC with traditional nickel-based anode by applying Ni/Al2O3 as a dual-functional layer

Novel γ-Al₂O₃ supported nickel (Ni/Al₂O₃) catalyst was developed as a functional layer for Ni–ScSZ cermet anode operating on methane fuel. Catalytic tests demonstrated Ni/Al₂O₃ had high and comparable activity to Ru–CeO₂ and much higher activity than the Ni–ScSZ cermet anode for partial oxidation, steam and CO₂ reforming of methane to syngas between 750 and 850 °C. By adopting Ni/Al₂O₃ as a catalyst layer, the fuel cell demonstrated a peak power density of 382 mW cm^?2 at 850 °C, more than two times that without the catalyst layer. The Ni/Al₂O₃ also functioned as a diffusion barrier layer to reduce the methane concentration within the anode; consequently, the operation stability was also greatly improved without coke deposition.     

Enhanced thermal properties of Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3 nanofluids with nanoalumina for heat transfer in high-temperature CSP systems

Nanofluids of Li₂CO₃–Na₂CO₃–K₂CO₃ improved by three nano-Al₂O₃ samples are firstly prepared by means of two-step aqueous method to enhance thermal properties for high-temperature heat transfer, when used as heat transfer fluids and thermal energy systems for concentrating solar power systems. Specific heat of ternary carbonates containing Al₂O₃ of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.0 mass% is measured, and nanofluids with 1.0 mass% of 20-nm Al₂O₃, 1.0 mass% of 50-nm Al₂O₃ and 0.8 mass% of 80-nm Al₂O₃ are selected as superior candidates. The maximum enhancement of specific heat is 18.5% in solid and 33.0% in liquid, 17.9% in solid and 22.7% in liquid, 13.2% in solid and 17.5% in liquid for nanofluids containing 20-, 50- and 80-nm Al₂O₃. Thermal conductivity is, respectively, improved by 23.3, 28.5 and 30.9% under the addition of Al₂O₃. New chemical bonds and crystals are scarcely formed in composites through FT-IR and XRD determination. SEM images certify that nano-Al₂O₃ are homogeneously mixed into nanofluids and this structure may be a critical incentive for enhancing thermal properties. There are no significant changes with respect to the heat flow, melting/freezing point and latent heat after the 30 circles of determination. Briefly, it can be speculated that these nanofluids will exhibit tremendous potential in the coming applications of heat transfer and thermal storage for concentrating solar power systems.

     

An investigation of the catalytic performance of Fe–Mn/Al2O3 nanocatalyst for light olefins production using RSM method and kinetic study

The Fe–Mn/Al₂O₃ nanocatalysts were manufactured via the sol-gel procedure and were evaluated for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The impact of different operational parameters of T, P, and H₂/CO ratio on the catalytic performance for light olefins production has been studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Furthermore, the optimization and modeling of selected responses were also carried out via RSM and historical data design type of DOE; and the best process conditions were found to be T = 365°C, H₂/CO = 1.50, and P = 1.50 bar. The mechanism of CO hydrogenation reaction over the Fe–Mn/Al₂O₃ nanocatalysts was also investigated using the non-linear regression method. It was found that the mechanism of the CO hydrogenation reaction is based on the Eley–Rideal type and the best-fitted equation for this mechanism was found to be −r_CO = KP_COP_H2/1+αP_CO. The obtained value of activation energy (85.20 kJ mol⁻¹) affirmed the absence of internal mass transfer limitations. The physico-chemical properties of the samples were investigated by various techniques of XRD, BET, TPR, TGA, and DSC.     

Solubility and diffusion of CO2 and H2S in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate

The solubility and diffusion coefficient were determined for carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gases in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([emim][EtSO₄]) at temperatures ranging from (303.15 to 353.15) K and pressures up to 1.6 MPa. The Krichevsky–Kasarnovsky equation was used to correlate solubility data and Henry’s law constants at different temperatures were obtained. The partial molar thermodynamic functions of solution such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated using the solubility data. A semi-infinite volume approach is used to obtain the diffusion coefficients for CO₂ and H₂S and a correlation equation with temperature is presented for each gas. Comparison showed that H₂S is more soluble than CO₂ and its diffusion coefficient is about two orders of magnitude as that of CO₂ in the ionic liquid studied in this work.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (NaCl + Na2SO4 + Na2CO3 + KCl + K2SO4 + K2CO3) system

A complete, critical evaluation of all phase diagrams and thermodynamic data was performed for all condensed phases of the (NaCl + Na₂SO₄ + Na₂CO₃ + KCl + K₂SO₄ + K₂CO₃) system, and optimized parameters for the thermodynamic solution models were obtained. The Modified Quasichemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation was used for modelling the liquid phase. The model evaluates first- and second-nearest-neighbour short-range order, where the cations (Na⁺ and K⁺) were assumed to mix on a cationic sublattice, while anions $({\text{CO}}_3^{2-}\text{,}{\text{SO}}_4^{2-}\text{,}\text{and}{\text{Cl}}^{-})$ were assumed to mix on an anionic sublattice. The thermodynamic properties of the solid solutions of (Na,K)₂(SO₄,CO₃) were modelled using the Compound Energy Formalism, and (Na,K)Cl was modelled using a substitutional model in previous studies. Phase transitions in the common-cation ternary systems (NaCl + Na₂SO₄ + Na₂CO₃) and (KCl + K₂SO₄ + K₂CO₃) were studied experimentally using d.s.c./t.g.a. The experimental results were used as input for evaluating the phase equilibrium in the common-cation ternary systems. The models can be used to predict the thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria in multicomponent heterogeneous systems. The experimental data from the literature are reproduced within experimental error limits.     

Adsorption thermodynamic and kinetic of disperse dye on cotton fiber modified with tolylene diisocyanate derivative

Adsorption thermodynamic and kinetic study of disperse dye on cotton fiber modified with tolylene diisocyanate derivative was carried out under the condition of pH value 6.0 ± 0.2, initial dye concentration 0.01–3.0 g/L and liquor ratio 2,000:1. The result showed the equilibrium adsorption isotherm of disperse dye on modified cotton fiber was Langmuir—Nernst mixed Model and the saturated adsorption capacity of the turning point was 7.1429 mg/g. The calculation of the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the Van der Waals’ forces played a major role between the disperse dye and the modified cotton fiber, and the adsorption of disperse dye on the modified cotton fiber was exothermic process. Compared with the diffusion coefficient and the activation energy of disperse dye on various fibers, the disperse dye diffusion in modified cotton fiber was more difficult than that in original cotton. Meanwhile, it was found that the adsorption kinetics of disperse dye on modified cotton fiber was well agreed with a pseudo second-order kinetic model.     

One-pot synthesis of α-bromoesters and ketones from β-ketoesters and diketones using supported reagents system

A simple and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of α-bromoesters and ketones from β-ketoesters and diketones in one pot using a supported reagents system, CuBr₂/Al₂O₃-Na₂CO₃/Al₂O₃, in which β-ketoester reacts first with CuBr₂/Al₂O₃ and the product, α-bromo-β-ketoester, reacts with Na₂CO₃/Al₂O₃ to give the final product, α-bromoesters in good yields.     

A new nonlinear optical silicate carbonate K2Ca[Si2O5](CO3) with a hybrid structure of kalsilite and soda-like layered fragments

Single crystals of a new silicate carbonate, K₂Ca[Si₂O₅](CO₃), have been synthesized in a multi-components hydrothermal solution with a pH value close to neutral and a high concentration of a carbonate mineralizer. The new compound has an axial structure (s.g. P6₃22) with unit cell parameters a = 5.04789 (15), c = 17.8668 (6) Å. Pseudosymmetry of the structure corresponds to s.g. P6₃/mmc which is broken only by one oxygen position. The structure consists of two layered fragments: one of the type of the mineral kalsilite (KAlSiO₄) and the other of the high-temperature soda-like α-Na₂CO₃, Ca substituting for Na. The electro-neutral layer K₂[Si₂O₅] (denoted K) as well as the layer Ca(CO₃) (denoted S) may separately correspond to individual structures. In K₂Ca[Si₂O₅](CO₃) the S-K layers are connected together via Ca-O interactions between Ca atoms from the carbonate layer and apical O atoms from the silicate one, and also via K-O interlayer interactions. A hypothetical acentric structure, sp.gr. P-62c, is predicted on the basis of the order-disorder theory. It presents another symmetrical option for the arrangement of K-layers relative to S-layers. The K,Ca-silicate-carbonate powder produces a moderate SHG signal that is two times larger that of the α-quartz powder standard and close to other silicates with acentric structures and low electronic polarizability.     

Evaluation of thermodynamic and kinetic stability of CuAlO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and CuGaO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of CuAlO₂ and CuGaO₂ have been evaluated by using thermogravimetry and thermodynamic calculations. It has been revealed that CuAlO₂ and CuGaO₂ are not thermodynamically stable in air below 800 °C and 1,200 °C, respectively, and that the oxidation reaction, 4CuMO₂ + O₂ → 2CuO + 2CuM₂O₄ (M = Al, Ga), should occur if the reaction kinetics are high enough. However, rate constants and activation energies indicated slow kinetics of the oxidation reaction, showing kinetic stability of CuMO₂ even under some thermodynamically unstable temperatures and atmospheres. It was also concluded that CuAlO₂ showed higher thermodynamic and kinetic stability than CuGaO₂.     

A DFT study on mechanisms of CO2 coupling with propargylic alcohols using alkali carbonates

The mechanisms of CO₂ coupling with the propargylic alcohol using alkali carbonates M₂CO₃ (M = Li, Na, K, Cs) have been investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. The calculations reveal that the target product tetronic acid (TA) is yielded through two stages: (a) the formation of the α-alkylidene cyclic carbonate (αACC) intermediate via Cs₂CO₃-mediated carboxylative cyclization of the propargylic alcohol with CO₂, and (b) the conversion of the αACC intermediate with Cs₂CO₃ to produce the cesium salt of the TA. Since the overall kinetic barriers for the two stages are comparable and affordable, the excellent chemoselectivity to the TA should be primarily originated from the high thermodynamic stability of the cesium salt of the TA. Moreover, relative to the TA, the possibility to yield the by-product acyclic carbonate can be excluded due to the both kinetics and thermodynamic inferiority. This result is different from the organic base-mediated reaction. Alternatively, our calculations predict that CsHCO₃ together generated with the cesium salt of the TA might also be an available mediating reagent for the incorporation of CO₂ with the propargylic alcohol. Compared to other alkali carbonates M₂CO₃ (M = Li, Na, K), the stronger basicity of Cs₂CO₃ and the lower ionic potential of cesium ion can raise the effective concentration of the αACC intermediate, and thus the conversion of the αACC intermediate into the cesium salt of the TA can be achieved with high yield.     

Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane over Ni Catalysts Supported on Al2O3 Modified with La2O3, MgO, and CaO

The preparation of synthesis gas from carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDR) has attracted increasing attention. The present review mainly focuses on CDR to produce synthesis gas over Ni/MO_x/Al₂O₃ (X = La, Mg, Ca) catalysts. From the examination of various supported nickel catalysts, the promotional effects of La₂O₃, MgO, and CaO have been found. The addition of promoters to Al₂O₃-supported nickel catalysts enhances the catalytic activity as well as stability. The catalytic performance is strongly dependent on the loading amount of promoters. For example, the highest CH₄ and CO₂ conversion were obtained when the ratios of metal M to Al were in the range of 0.04–0.06. In the case of Ni/La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst, the highest CH₄ conversion (96%) and CO₂ conversion (97%) was achieved with the catalyst (La/Al = 0.05 (atom/atom)). For Ni/CaO/Al₂O₃ catalyst, the catalyst with Ca/Al = 0.04 (atom/atom) exhibited the highest CH₄ conversion (91%) and CO₂ conversion (92%) among the catalysts with various CaO content. Also, Ni/MgO/Al₂O₃ catalyst with Mg/Al = 0.06 (atom/atom) showed the highest CH₄ conversion (89%) and CO₂ conversion (90%) among the catalysts with various Mg/Al ratios. Thus it is most likely that the optimal ratios of M to Al for the highest activities of the catalysts are related to the highly dispersed metal species. In addition, the improved catalytic performance of Al₂O₃-supported nickel catalysts promoted with metal oxides is due to the strong interaction between Ni and metal oxide, the stabilization of metal oxide on Al₂O₃ and the basic property of metal oxide to prevent carbon formation.     

Thermodynamics of aqueous potassium carbonate,piperazine, and carbon dioxide

CO₂ solubility was measured in a wetted-wall column in 0.6–3.6 molal (m) piperazine (PZ) and 2.5–6.2 m potassium ion (K⁺) at 40–110 °C. Piperazine speciation was determined using ¹H NMR for 0.6–3.6 m piperazine (PZ) and 3.6–6.2 m potassium ion (K⁺) at 25–70 °C. The capacity of CO₂ in solution increases as total solute concentration increases and compares favorably with estimates for 7 m (30 wt.%) monoethanolamine (MEA). The presence of potassium in solution increases the concentration of CO₃²⁻/HCO₃⁻ in solution, buffering the solution. The buffer reduces protonation of the free amine, but increases the amount of carbamate species. These competing effects yield a maximum fraction of reactive species at a potassium to piperazine ratio of 2:1.A rigorous thermodynamic model was developed, based on the electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid (ENRTL) theory, to describe the equilibrium behavior of the solvent. Modeling work established that the carbamate stability of piperazine and piperazine carbamate resembles primary amines and gives approximately equal values for the heats of reaction, ΔH_rxn (18.3 and 16.5 kJ/mol). The pK_a of piperazine carbamate is twice that of piperazine, but the ΔH_rxn values are equivalent (∼−45 kJ/mol). Overall, the heat of CO₂ absorption is lowered by the formation of significant quantities of HCO₃⁻ in the mixed solvent and strongly depends on the relative concentrations of K⁺ and PZ, ranging from −40 to −75 kJ/mol.     

Nonlinear modelling of data in photomineralization kinetics of organic micropollutants by photocatalytic membranes immobilizing titanium dioxide in membrane reactors

Kinetic fitting of substrate disappearance and of total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization of organic micropollutants, in water and air, by photocatalytic membranes immobilizing titanium dioxide, was carried out. A model was used in which mineralization of substrate to CO₂ is supposed to occur, with kinetic constant k₁, through one single intermediate, mediating the behaviour of all the numerous real intermediates formed in the path to CO₂, kinetic constant of formation of the latter being k₂. A competitive Langmuirian‐type adsorption of both substrate and ‘intermediate’ was also supposed to be operative, as expressed by pseudo‐thermodynamic constants K₁ and K₂ respectively, these constants possessing a, partly at least, kinetic significance. Nonlinear models could be fitted to data by using the least‐squares method. The very satisfactory matching is shown for the laboratory‐scale mineralization kinetics of methane, as model molecule of aliphatic contaminants, both in the gas phase and in aqueous solution. Furthermore, in pilot plant experiments, using phenol, as model molecule of aromatics, modelling of quantum yields was carried out, as a function of concentration and of adsorbed radiant power. Kinetics of hydroxyl radicals reacting between themselves, leading to hydrogen peroxide, other than with substrate or intermediates leading to mineralization, was considered, paralleled by a second competition kinetics due to superoxide anion radical and its conjugate acid, equally leading to mineralization. In this model the contribution of hydroxyl radicals to mineralization decreases with irradiance, while the contribution of superoxide anion radical and its conjugate acid increases. If the regression equations of these two contributions are considered together, in a linear combination, the surface model perfectly fits the experimental data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.