Efficient Benzene Production by Methane Dehydroaromatization Using Chemical Looping Hydrogen Separation

Chemical processes for non-oxidative upgrading of light alkanes are often limited by low conversions arising from thermodynamic equilibrium which are not addressed by catalyst chemistry or reactor engineering. Chemical looping technology, which involves an oxygen carrier comprising a redox-active metal oxide that is circulated through a fluidized reactor and regenerator, has the potential to overcome these limitations while simultaneously providing efficient options for hydrogen separation and energy integration. While significant research, both on process and materials, has advanced applications of chemical looping for combustion and steam reforming of methane, there have been few efforts addressing applications in the production of chemicals. As part of a RAPID project collaboration between the University of Delaware and Dow, chemical looping technology is being developed as a general process intensification strategy for the modular production of commodity chemicals. This talk will focus on the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating a modular chemical looping scheme into such a chemical process through a case study of benzene production by methane dehydroaromatization.