Natural gas comprises a relatively large portion of fossil hydrocarbon resources. The high capital cost of its conversion via synthesis gas, however, leaves much of it unused, i.e., stranded.
Nonoxidative methane dehydro-aromatization (MDA) is a promising way to directly convert natural gas into high-value petrochemicals, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. The reaction runs at about 700°C in the presence of bifunctional catalysts such as carbided molybdenum nanoclusters dispersed in acidic shape-selective zeolites. Two issues plague this process: The per-pass conversion is limited by thermodynamics, and the catalyst activity decreases quickly because coke accumulates on the external zeolite surface and hinders access to internal active sites.
Scientists from CoorsTek Membrane Sciences, the Univ. of Oslo (Norway), and the Instituto de Tecnología Química (Spain) have figured out a way to circumvent those issues. They have developed a ceramic membrane that can be integrated into the MDA reactor to boost aromatic yields. The new catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) also produces high-purity hydrogen.
▲ In the new catalytic membrane reactor,...
Would you like to access the complete CEP News Update?
No problem. You just have to complete the following steps.
You have completed 0 of 2 steps.
-
Log in
You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now.
-
AIChE Membership
You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.
