(94c) Autothermal Partial Oxidation of Methyl Acetate in a Catalytic Bed Reactor

Synthesis gas constitutes the main source of hydrogen for fuel cells. The lower temperatures at which existing fuel cells operate in contrast to those in internal combustion engines considerably reduce the emission of nitrous oxides. Previous research has shown that compounds as diverse as methane and gasoline can be used to produce synthesis gas. The use of a renewable fuel such as biodiesel for such a process is desired, since its derivation from biomass results in a closed carbon cycle and the net carbon dioxide emission from its use is significantly lower than that from the use of fossil fuels. By combining renewable fuels with fuel cells, it is possible to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides.

Methyl acetate has been chosen as a model compound for biodiesel, in order to isolate the methyl ester functional group from the hydrocarbon chain. Methyl acetate is fed into a millisecond reactor along with air, where it undergoes CPO to produce a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, and some hydrocarbons. Several catalysts were deposited onto washcoated, á-alumina foam monoliths. The conversion of the methyl acetate and the selectivity of various product species are studied for different feed flow rates and carbon to oxygen feed ratios.