Conversion of biological substrates to fuel components in the presence of industrial catalysts

Conditions were found under which the industrial aluminum-platinum catalyst AP-64 and the pilot zeolite system Pd-Zn/Al₂O₃/MFI (MFI is a high-silica ZSM-5 type zeolite) catalyze single-stage highly selective conversion of rapeseed oil and ethanol to either alkane or alkanearomatic fraction of hydrocarbons suitable as engine fuel components. The hydrocarbon chain grows with participation of ethylene, which is formed in the argon medium directly from the ethanol molecule. Under these conditions, hydrogenation of this alkene on intermetallic clusters arising during the long-term reductive preactivation is suppressed. The alcohol supplies not only ethylene but also hydrogen. In the presence of Pd-Zn/Al₂O₃/MFI, ethanol is converted to alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons according to independent pathways. Joint processing of alcohols and rapeseed oil in the presence of the Pd-Zn/Al₂O₃/MFI catalyst system is an efficient and promising route to C₃-C₁₁ hydrocarbons in the absence of an external source of hydrogen.     

Conversion of Ethanol into a Fraction of C<Subscript>3+</Subscript> Hydrocarbons in the Presence of Gold-Containing Catalysts Based on a Zeolite MFI Support

The results of a study on the activity and operational stability of an Au–Pd/MFI/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the reaction of ethanol conversion into a gasoline fraction of hydrocarbons are reported. In the presence of the Au–Pd/MFI/Al₂O₃ catalyst, ethanol was almost completely converted into an alkane–aromatic fraction of C₃–C₁₁ hydrocarbons at 300°C in an atmosphere of Ar; the yield of this fraction was as high as 90% on a feed carbon basis. It was established that, in the presence of the bimetallic Au–Pd catalyst, the yield of the target fraction increased by 10%, as compared with that on a monometallic Au-containing sample. The Au–Pd/MFI/Al₂O₃ catalyst exhibited much higher stability in a long-term experiment in comparison with the previously tested pilot sample of Pd–Zn/MFI/Al₂O₃. After a 40-h operation, the yield of the target fraction of C₃₊ hydrocarbons in the presence of the Au–Pd/MFI/Al₂O₃ catalyst decreased by 15%. The treatment of the catalyst with hydrogen led to the complete restoration of its activity. The structure of the Au–Pd active constituents was studied by transmission electron microscopy X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. methods of the and microscopy.     

Separation of alcohols and alcohols/O2 mixtures using zeolite MFI membranes

Two different types of supported silicalite membranes were employed for the separation of alcohols and alcohols/O₂ mixtures: in one of them the zeolite material was deposited on the top of the γ-alumina supports, while in the other the zeolitic material was mainly present in the porous structure of the α-alumina supports. While both kinds of membranes were able to separate the above mixtures, the second type of membranes having the zeolite material inside the support performed more efficiently. The maximum selectivity reported in this work is 7415 for the ethanol/O₂ separation in an ethanol/methanol/O₂ mixture. For a better understanding of the separation mechanism, the performance of both zeolite membranes was compared to that of a mesoporous silica membrane. Also, the adsorption of methanol and propanol on silicalite crystals was measured using a microbalance.     

Ru/ZSM-5催化葡萄糖选择性加氢制备山梨醇(英)

采用无有机模板剂一步法制备了Ru/ZSM-5催化剂,利用X射线衍射、N₂吸附-脱附、NH₃-程序升温脱附和CO₂-程序升温脱附、扫描电镜和透射电镜等方法对催化剂进行了表征.考察了反应温度、钌负载量和催化剂重复利用等因素对Ru/ZSM-5上葡萄糖加氢反应性能的影响,并与浸渍法制备的Ru/ZSM-5催化剂进行了对比.结果表明,与传统浸渍法相比,一步法制备的Ru/ZSM-5催化剂钌粒子具有更高的分散性和稳定性.在120℃和4 MPa的温和反应条件下,葡萄糖接近完全转化,山梨醇选择性高达99.2%,催化剂可重复利用5次,仍保持较高活性.     

MFI分子筛前驱体对Y型沸石分子筛表面的修饰及其催化性质

间、对-甲基异丙苯是生产间、对-苯酚的反应中间体,因此其制备受到国内外广泛关注．ZSM-5,Y型,betn等沸石分子筛和掺杂zn的Al-MCM-41介孔分子筛在此反应中表现出不同的择形性．近年来利用沸石分子筛前驱体自组装技术合成的新型介孔材料已显示出优异的催化性能,     

Encapsulation of Palladium Carbide Subnanometric Species in Zeolite Boosts Highly Selective Semihydrogenation of Alkynes

The selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a crucial step in the synthesis of fine chemicals. However, the widely utilized palladium (Pd)-based catalysts often suffer from poor selectivity. In this work, we demonstrate a carbonization-reduction method to create palladium carbide subnanometric species within pure silicate MFI zeolite. The carbon species can modify the electronic and steric characteristics of Pd species by forming the predominant Pd−C₄ structure and, meanwhile, facilitate the desorption of alkenes by forming the Si−O−C structure with zeolite framework, as validated by the state-of-the-art characterizations and theoretical calculations. The developed catalyst shows superior performance in the selective hydrogenation of alkynes over mild conditions (298 K, 2 bar H₂), with 99 % selectivity to styrene at a complete conversion of phenylacetylene. In contrast, the zeolite-encapsulated carbon-free Pd catalyst and the commercial Lindlar catalyst show only 15 % and 14 % selectivity to styrene, respectively, under identical reaction conditions. The zeolite-confined Pd-carbide subnanoclusters promise their superior properties in semihydrogenation of alkynes.     

Steam reforming for syngas production over Ni and Ni-promoted catalysts

In this article, nanocrystalline γ-alumina with high surface area (309 m² g^?1) and mesoporous structure with an average pore size of 4.3 nm was synthesized and employed as a carrier for the synthesis of Ni catalysts in steam reforming of methane. The results revealed that the metal–support interaction decreased by increasing the nickel loading and led to the movement of the T_max of reduction temperature to lower temperatures. The results demonstrated that the synthesized catalysts exhibited high CH₄ conversion and stability and increasing the nickel loading up to 10 wt% improved the CH₄ conversion. The results revealed that the incorporation of MgO in nickel catalyst improved the resistance of the catalyst against carbon deposition and also enhanced the catalytic activity and the 10%Ni–5%MgO–Al₂O₃ catalyst exhibited high stability during 60 h. The high stability of the promoted catalyst was related to the high basicity of the catalyst.

     

New high-selectivity hydrogenation catalysts prepared from bimetallic acetate complexes

The catalytic properties of new Pd-Zn/Al₂O₃ catalysts in selective acetylene hydrogenation in an acetylene-ethylene mixture at 30–120°C and atmospheric pressure are reported. The catalysts prepared from the bimetallic complex Pd-Zn(OOCMe)₄(OH₂) are much more selective than the catalysts prepared by simultaneously supporting the homonuclear complexes Pd₃(OOCMe)₆ and Zn(OOCMe)₂ · 2H₂O. It is demonstrated by diffuse reflectance IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO that the heat treatment of the supported bimetallic complex at 250°C in flowing H₂ yields a Pd-Zn alloy on the surface. It is this alloy that ensures the high selectivity of the Pd-Zn/Al₂O₃ catalysts.     

Gamma-Ray Irradiation to Accelerate Crystallization of Mesoporous Zeolites

Gamma-ray (γ-ray) irradiation was introduced into zeolite synthesis. The crystallization process of zeolite NaA, NaY, Silicalite-1, and ZSM-5 were greatly accelerated. The crystallization time of NaA zeolite was significantly decreased to 18 h under γ-ray irradiation at 20 °C, while more than 102 h was needed for the conventional process. Unexpectedly, more mesopores were created during this process, and thus the adsorption capacity of CO₂ increased by 6-fold compared to the NaA prepared without γ-ray irradiation. Solid experimental evidence and density function theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that hydroxyl free radicals (OH*) generated by γ-rays accelerated the crystallization of zeolite NaA. Besides NaA, mesoporous ZSM-5 with MFI topology was also successfully synthesized under γ-ray irradiation, which possessed excellent catalytic performance for methanol conversion, suggesting the universality of this new synthetic strategy for various zeolites.     

MFI纳米片沉积层气相转化制备超薄b轴取向沸石膜

利用乙二胺-水蒸汽进行气相转化(VPT)制备超薄、取向MFI沸石膜,通过将MFI纳米片沉积层转化为致密的沸石膜,实现了膜厚度的有效控制。扫描电子显微镜和X射线衍射表明,制备的沸石膜膜厚度约为280 nm,具有高度b轴取向的致密结构。丁烷异构体双组分分离测试结果表明,在333 K下,等物质的量的正丁烷/异丁烷混合物的正丁烷渗透速率和分离因子分别为1.5×10^-7 mol·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1和14.8。Na₂SiO₃作为低聚硅源在MFI沸石纳米片二次生长过程中能够提供硅源和碱度,通过在胺类蒸汽中实现MFI沸石纳米片间的融合生长,进一步提高了膜的取向度和致密性。     

Effective conversion of cellobiose and glucose to sorbitol using non-noble bimetallic NiCo/HZSM-5 catalyst

The tandem hydrolysis and hydrogenation of saccharides into sorbitol is an especially attractive reaction in the conversion of biomass. Here, an economical and efficient bimetallic catalyst for the transformation of glucose and cellobiose into sorbitol is reported. Non-precious metal based catalysts such as NiCo, Ni, and Co, were prepared via modified impregnation method, and NiCo/HZSM-5 showed superior performance for the synthesis of sorbitol (86.9% from cellobiose, 98.6% from D-glucose). Various characterizations, such as Brunner-Emmet-Teler (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed that NiCo alloy formed and highly dispersed in NiCo/HZSM-5 catalyst. The high performance of fabricated catalyst would be attributed to the formation of nickel-cobalt alloy over HZSM-5 zeolite surface. High temperature and H₂ pressure were favorable for the tandem hydrolysis and hydrogenation reaction. Besides, the reaction pathway was also proposed based on the kinetics study. Cellobitol was detected as the intermediate in the reaction mixture. Furthermore, in the catalytic stability study, it was found that active metal species of NiCo/HZSM-5 were stable. The deactivation of catalyst would be due to the covering of acidic sites over NiCo/HZSM-5.     

MFI纳米片沉积层气相转化制备超薄b轴取向沸石膜

利用乙二胺-水蒸汽进行气相转化（VPT）制备超薄、取向MFI沸石膜,通过将MFI纳米片沉积层转化为致密的沸石膜,实现了膜厚度的有效控制。扫描电子显微镜和X射线衍射表明,制备的沸石膜膜厚度约为280 nm,具有高度b轴取向的致密结构。丁烷异构体双组分分离测试结果表明,在333 K下,等物质的量的正丁烷/异丁烷混合物的正丁烷渗透速率和分离因子分别为1.5×10^-7 mol·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1和14.8。Na₂SiO₃作为低聚硅源在MFI沸石纳米片二次生长过程中能够提供硅源和碱度,通过在胺类蒸汽中实现MFI沸石纳米片间的融合生长,进一步提高了膜的取向度和致密性。     

Fabrication of b‐Oriented MFI Zeolite Films under Neutral Conditions without the Use of Hydrogen Fluoride

The fabrication of MFI zeolite films with particular b‐axis orientation is especially fascinating. Unlike the conventional alkaline or hydrofluoric acid (HF) assisted neutral synthesis route, here we develop a novel neutral synthesis solution system of TPABr/fumed silica/H₂O without the use of HF and successfully synthesize highly b‐oriented MFI zeolite films on glass‐plate substrates by secondary growth. The localized weak alkaline environment created by the dissolved Na₂O species from the substrate is identified as the key factor for the depolymerization of fumed silica and subsequently the in‐plane growth of zeolite seed layers. Continuous b‐oriented MFI films can also be synthesized on other substrates in the presence of a glass plate or a trace amount of NaOH, which making our neutral synthesis route promising for the direct synthesis of MFI zeolite films and membranes on various substrates.     

Nanodispersed Suspensions of Zeolite Catalysts for Converting Dimethyl Ether into Olefins

Nanodispersed suspensions that are effective in DME conversion and stable in the reaction zone in a three-phase system (slurry reactor) are obtained from MFI zeolite commercial samples (TsVM, IK-17-1, and CBV) in liquid media via ultrasonic treatment (UST). It is found that the dispersion medium, in which ultrasound affects zeolite commercial sample, has a large influence on particle size in the suspension. UST in the aqueous medium produces zeolite nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm, while larger particles of MFI zeolite samples form in silicone or hydrocarbon oils. Spectral and adsorption data show that when zeolites undergo UST in an aqueous medium, the acid sites are redistributed on the zeolite surface and the specific surface area of the mesopores increases. Preliminary UST in aqueous media of zeolite commercial samples (TsVM, IK-17-1, and CBV) affects the catalytic properties of MFI zeolite nanodispersed suspensions. The selectivity of samples when paraffins and olefins form is largely due to superacid sites consisting of OH groups of hydroxonium ion H₃O⁺.     

Comprehensive study of nanostructured supports with high surface area for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

An extensive study of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on nanostructure supports with high surface area such as nanostructure γ-alumina, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), and the hybrid of SWNTs/nanostructure γ-alumina has been investigated. The nanostructure γ-alumina was promoted with lanthanum to obtain better performance of catalyst and 15 wt% cobalt loading was the basis of our investigation. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was performed in a fixed bed reactor under different reaction conditions (220–240 °C, 15–25 bar, H₂/CO ratio of 2, GHSV of 900–1400) in order to study the effects of temperature, pressure and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) changes on hydrocarbon selectivity and catalyst activity. The catalysts were extensively characterized by different methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), hydrogen (H₂) chemisorption and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The results showed that the yield of hybrid supported catalyst (55.4%) is higher than that of nanostructure γ-alumina supported catalyst (55.0%) and lower than that of SWNTs supported cobalt catalyst (71.0%). The hybrid supported catalyst showed higher reduction degree and dispersion of cobalt particles. The temperature, pressure and GHSV effects on hybrid supported catalyst were studied and results showed that higher pressure favors the chain growth and temperature increase leads to the increases in methane selectivity and CO conversion. Higher hydrocarbon selectivity and CO conversion showed positive relationship with increasing GHSV while lower hydrocarbon selectivity diminishes.     

Open‐Pore Two‐Dimensional MFI Zeolite Nanosheets for the Fabrication of Hydrocarbon‐Isomer‐Selective Membranes on Porous Polymer Supports

Two‐dimensional zeolite nanosheets that do not contain any organic structure‐directing agents were prepared from a multilamellar MFI (ML‐MFI) zeolite. ML‐MFI was first exfoliated by melt compounding and then detemplated by treatment with a mixture of H₂SO₄ and H₂O₂ (piranha solution). The obtained OSDA‐free MFI nanosheets disperse well in water and can be used for coating applications. Deposits made on porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) supports by simple filtration of these suspensions exhibit an n‐butane/isobutane selectivity of 5.4, with an n‐butane permeance of 3.5×10^?7 mol m^?2 s^?1 Pa^?1 (ca. 1000 GPU).     

Benzidine and diphenylamine radical formation on the surface of NaY-zeolite and γ-alumina with and without MoO3

Solutions of benzidine and diphenylamine in benzene produce cation radical on the surface of zeolite, γ-alumina, MoO₃ and MoO₃ doped γ-alumina and zeolite. MoO₃ doped zeolite behaved much differently than V₂O₅ doped zeolite in presence of benzidine or diphenylamine in benzene.     

Regeneration of C4H10 dry reforming catalyst by nonthermal plasma

Carbon deposition via coke formation is one of the critical problems causing catalyst deactivation during the reforming of hydrocarbons. An effort was made to regenerate the catalyst (Ni/γ-alumina) by oxidation methods. Two approaches were carried out for the regeneration of the deactivated catalyst. The first one involves the plasma treatment of the deactivated catalyst in the presence of dry air over a temperature range of 300～500 °C, while the second one only the thermal treatment in the same temperature range. The performance of the regenerated catalyst was evaluated in terms of C₄H₁₀ and CO₂ conversions and the physicochemical characteristics were examined using a surface area analyzer, an elemental analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that the carbon deposit (coke) on the catalyst was about 9.89 wt% after reforming C₄H₁₀ for 5 h at 540 °C. The simple thermal treatment at 400 °C reduced carbon content to 6.59 wt% whereas it was decreased to 3.25 wt% by the plasma and heat combination. The specific surface area was fully restored to the original state by the plasma-assisted regeneration at 500 °C. As far as the catalytic activity is concerned, the fresh and regenerated catalysts exhibited similar C₄H₁₀ and CO₂ conversion efficiencies.     

Hybrid silica-organic material with immobilized amino groups: surface probing and use for electrochemical determination of nitrite ions

A sol–gel based hybrid process was developed by manipulating different techniques in sol–gel process to synthesize γ-alumina and (CuO, CuO + ZnO) doped γ-alumina spherical particles. Catalysts having spherical geometry have an important advantage over powders or pellets which are impervious to fluids, when packed in a reactor. Boehmite sol was used as alumina precursor for synthesizing porous γ-alumina and doped materials. γ-alumina particles having 5 wt% CuO, 4 wt% CuO + 1 wt% ZnO, 3 wt% CuO + 2 wt% ZnO and 2 wt% CuO + 3 wt% ZnO were prepared by adding required amounts of Cu(NO₃)₂ and Zn(NO₃)₂ solutions prior to gelation of the sol. Methanol dehydration studies were carried out by employing these synthesized catalysts. Hundred percent conversion of methanol to dimethyl ether was observed with (4 wt% CuO + 1 wt% ZnO)-γ-alumina and (5 wt% CuO)-γ-alumina microspheres at 325 and 350 °C, respectively.     

Upgrading of palm biodiesel fuel over supported palladium catalysts

Partial hydrogenation of palm biodiesel fuel (BDF) over 0.5wt%Pd/SBA-15 and 0.5wt%Pd/Zr-SBA-15 catalysts was examined by using a continuous fixed-bed reactor at 100 °C and 0.3 MPa under an atmosphere of H₂, in comparison to the commercial 0.5wt%Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst. The results showed that the 0.5wt%Pd/SBA-15 catalyst with high Pd dispersion and fast molecular diffusion through the short channeling pores gave the highest activity and selectivity in partial hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) as unstable components of palm BDF into cis-mono-unsaturated FAME as a target component of upgraded palm BDF with excellent oxidation stability and cold flow properties, which makes the addition of antioxidants unnecessary. By contrast, the 0.5wt%Pd/Zr-SBA-15 catalyst with strongly and moderately acidic sites gave low selectivity toward cis-mono-unsaturated FAME. The commercial 0.5wt%Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst displayed much lower polyunsaturated FAME conversion and cis-mono-unsaturated FAME selectivity, associated with poor Pd dispersion and slow molecular diffusion through the disordered pores.