Article
Engineering, Environmental
Florent Minette, Luis Calamote de Almeida, Sanjiv Ratan, Juray De Wilde
Summary: Structured catalytic reactors, such as ZoneFlow(TM) reactors, were experimentally measured for pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient, showing a potential for improved heat transfer performance compared to conventional pellets at similar pressure drops.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tao Shi, Huijin Xu
Summary: In this study, a theoretical model was developed for the hydrogen charging process in the hydrogen storage reactor assisted with heat storage, and a novel method to improve heat transfer performance was proposed by topology optimization of thermal conductivity fins. The optimized structure showed significant improvement in the hydrogen charging process.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Freek Kapteijn, Jacob A. Moulijn
Summary: This perspective paper provides a brief overview of the past developments in structured catalysts and reactors, highlighting the potential for process intensification, energy and materials efficiency. It also discusses current exciting new developments for demanding processes and suggests directions that contribute to a future sustainable chemical industry.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gonzalo Vega, Asuncion Quintanilla, Pablo Lopez, Manuel Belmonte, Jose A. Casas
Summary: This paper compares the performance of three different reactors in the catalytic phenol oxidation reaction, and finds that the use of mechanical stirring in three-dimensional monolithic reactors can solve the external mass transport limitation caused by oxygen bubbles. It also reveals the impact of wall porosity on catalyst stability.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Himanshu Goyal, Tai-Ying Chen, Weiqi Chen, Dionisios G. Vlachos
Summary: Microwaves offer an alternative heating method and process intensification in multiphase reactors. However, the mechanism of how microwaves affect chemical processes is still debated, highlighting the need for further research in experimental and modeling studies to bridge this gap. Promising results have been shown by recent modeling studies, indicating the potential for comprehensive understanding and optimization of microwave multiphase reactors through a combination of experimental and modeling tools.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shujun Geng, Zai-Sha Mao, Qingshan Huang, Chao Yang
Summary: Pneumatically agitated slurry reactors, such as bubble column reactors and airlift loop reactors, play a crucial role in gas-liquid-solid multiphase reactions. They offer low shear stress, excellent mixing, and efficient mass/heat transfer properties, making them widely used in biological fermentation and energy chemical industries. To enhance performance and meet industrial demands, process intensification is essential.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xinyan Liu, Jiahui Wu, Yang Lei, Xiaoqin Wu, Yi Man, Hao Luo, Qingang Xiong
Summary: The objective of this paper is to find an energy efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for clean separation of isopropanol from water. By introducing heat pump vapor recompression, membrane separation, and dividing wall column technologies, significant reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved. Among the proposed processes, the heat pump dividing wall column process was found to be the most sustainable alternative.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Himanshu Goyal
Summary: This article discusses the significant challenges hindering the development and deployment of microwave multiphase reactors and the opportunities for further research. Structured reactors are emphasized as a canonical setup for experiments and modeling.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yi Ouyang, Geraldine J. Heynderickx, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: The use of intensified equipment in the chemical industry faces obstacles. This paper proposes a methodology perspective based on coupling lab experiments, simulations, and assessment to accelerate process intensification technology.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
John Lowd, Theodore Tsotsis, Vasilios I. Manousiouthakis
Summary: The novel membrane storage reactor process intensifies production of a desired species through dynamic operation and physically distinct domains, demonstrating superior performance compared to a reactor operating at steady state.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Max Vanatta, Deep Patel, Todd Allen, Daniel Cooper, Michael T. Craig
Summary: Nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) have the potential to meet the decarbonization challenge of providing high-temperature industrial heat, but there is a lack of technoeconomic analyses on their potential. Through our study, we quantify the technoeconomic potential of five SMR types for displacing natural gas and providing process heat for industrial facilities in five US states. Our findings show that no SMRs are economically viable for providing process heat alone at current gas prices, but they become viable when the avoided gas costs are $8 and $16/MMBtu. By participating in wholesale power markets, SMRs could economically serve a portion of industrial demand and help reduce CO2 emissions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nico Jurtz, Urvashi Srivastava, Alireza Attari Moghaddam, Matthias Kraume
Summary: The study focused on process intensification of catalytic fixed-bed reactors, conducting optimization of heat transport characteristics on the pellet scale using computational fluid dynamics. Evaluation of key performance indicators such as the global heat transfer coefficient and the specific pressure drop was carried out to compare thermal performance of different designs.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Jing Tan, Ya-Ni Ji, Wen-Sheng Deng, Yue-Feng Su
Summary: Trickle bed reactors (TBRs) are widely used in gas/liquid/solid catalytic reactions due to their flexibility and simplicity, but they suffer from inefficiencies and hot spots caused by non-uniform fluid distribution and incomplete wetting of the catalyst. Process intensification in TBRs is necessary to meet the current and future demands of the chemical industry.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xinpeng Huang, Cheng Sun, Zhenqian Chen, Yunsong Han
Summary: This study characterizes the behavior of composite PCMs using both experimental and numerical methods, focusing on the high conductivity of metal foam for thermal energy storage. Results show that higher porosities in metal foam can accelerate the melting rate of PCMs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bin Yang, Ruirui Zhang, Zhi Gao, Xiaohui Yu
Summary: This study proposed three types of composite phase change materials and investigated their heat transfer performance. The results showed that the heat transfer performance of the composite phase change materials was significantly improved, with the metal-foam/paraffin composite material with a 40 PPI pore density demonstrating the best comprehensive performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Federico Sascha Franchi, Matteo Ambrosetti, Riccardo Balzarotti, Mauro Bracconi, Gianpiero Groppi, Enrico Tronconi
Summary: This study introduces a novel methodology for evaluating the external mass transfer properties of 3D printed catalyst supports, with experimental validation showing the equivalence and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Zheng, Matteo Ambrosetti, Daniele Marangoni, Alessandra Beretta, Gianpiero Groppi, Enrico Tronconi
Summary: This study reports on the electrification of a SiSiC foam for methane steam reforming, utilizing renewable electricity. The results demonstrate high energy efficiency and low carbon emissions, indicating promising potential for future applications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nicole Daniela Nasello, Federica Gramigni, Isabella Nova, Enrico Tronconi, Frank Hofmann, Simone Dieterich, Marcus Crocoll, Michel Weibel
Summary: The study investigates the effect of oxygen feed content variation on the conversion of NOx and the formation of N2O over a Cu-CHA catalyst under Standard SCR reaction conditions. The results show that increasing the oxygen feed content leads to higher NOx conversion and N2O formation. The study also reveals that the formation of N2O is sensitive to changes in oxygen concentration and is influenced by temperature and oxygen feed content.
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Zheng, Matteo Ambrosetti, Francesca Zaio, Alessandra Beretta, Gianpiero Groppi, Enrico Tronconi
Summary: Electrified methane steam reforming (eMSR) is a promising concept for low-carbon hydrogen production. The innovative eMSR reactor uses SiSiC foams coated with Rh/Al2O3 catalyst as electrical resistances to generate reaction heat. The system achieves complete methane conversions even at a high space velocity of 200000 Nl/h/kgcat, with a specific energy demand as low as 1.24 kWh/Nm3H2 and an unprecedented energy efficiency of 81%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
C. Coffano, A. Porta, C. G. Visconti, F. Rabino, G. Franzoni, B. Picutti, L. Lietti
Summary: This study investigates the one-pot conversion of CO2 into lower olefins using a physical mixture of a methanol synthesis catalyst and a methanol-to-olefins (MTO) zeolite. The individual reactions are tested under CO2 to olefins conditions, providing insights on the reaction mechanism and catalyst stability. The operating conditions and the effects of different catalyst samples are analyzed. The study also compares the methanol-mediated and modified Fischer-Tropsch (MFT) routes, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each reaction pathway.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lei Zheng, Matteo Ambrosetti, Alessandra Beretta, Gianpiero Groppi, Enrico Tronconi
Summary: The growing concern for the environment has led to the development of catalytic CO2 valorization as a solution to reduce the carbon footprint of valuable chemical products. Electrification of CO2 conversion processes, such as CO2 reforming of methane and reverse water-gas shift, offers a technological solution to reduce unwanted CO2 emissions. A promising approach using catalytically activated open-cell foams as Joule heating substrates has demonstrated excellent catalytic and electrical stability for direct electrification of these processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Riccardo Rinaldi, Carlo Giorgio Visconti
Summary: This study investigates the steady state and transient performances of a multi-tubular fixed bed reactor for methanol production from biogas. The novel concept proposed and assessed is the flexible operation of the reactor using carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen only when economically convenient. The results show that the multi-tubular reactor design can handle both operating conditions effectively and steady-state conditions can be reached quickly after switching between conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alessandro Porta, Roberto Matarrese, Carlo Giorgio Visconti, Luca Lietti
Summary: In this study, we investigate the impact of different atmospheres and process conditions on the catalytic performances of Ru-and K/Ba-based dual-function materials for CO2 capture and methanation. Through experiments and spectroscopy analysis, we identify the effects of temperature, H2 partial pressure, water, and oxygen on the hydrogenation and CO2 adsorption steps. The findings provide valuable insights into the design improvement of DFMs for flue gas treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vittoria Troisi, Veronica Piazza, Alessandro Stagni, Alessio Frassoldati, Gianpiero Groppi, Alessandra Beretta
Summary: Investigating bioethanol as a renewable energy source is crucial in the context of H2-based economy. A combined homo-heterogeneous kinetic scheme was developed and validated against experimental data to capture the relevant features of the bioethanol partial oxidation and steam reforming processes. The study developed a 36-species reduced homogeneous scheme and a macro-kinetic heterogeneous scheme with six molecular reactions to accurately describe the reacting systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abdelrahman Mostafa, Irene Rapone, Aldo Bosetti, Matteo C. Romano, Alessandra Beretta, Gianpiero Groppi
Summary: In this study, methane sorption enhanced reforming (SER) is investigated as a promising route for blue H2 production. A 1-D dynamic heterogeneous model is developed to evaluate the thermal behavior of a fixed bed reactor under adiabatic conditions. The effects of feed gas temperature, initial bed temperature, and bed thermal capacity on the process performances are studied.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Umberto Iacobone, Isabella Nova, Enrico Tronconi, Roberta Villamaina, Maria Pia Ruggeri, Jillian Collier, David Thompsett
Summary: The modifications of ZCu(2+)(OH)(-) and Z(2)Cu(2+) ions during NH3-SCR on Cu-CHA catalysts are crucial for understanding the low-temperature redox SCR mechanism. The generation of dinuclear Cu2+ structures has been confirmed under representative conditions using a dry transient CO oxidation protocol. The presence of NH3 promotes the activity of ZCu(2+)(OH)(-) as the CO oxidation catalyst, while Z(2)Cu(2+) is inactive. An increase in Cu loading enhances CO2 production, indicating a larger population of ZCu(2+)(OH)(-) and a further enhancement is observed with the presence of H2O. The CO oxidation protocol proves to be a versatile technique for studying Cu2+ ions in Cu-CHA catalysts.
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicole Daniela Nasello, Nicola Usberti, Umberto Iacobone, Federica Gramigni, Wenshuo Hu, Shaojun Liu, Isabella Nova, Xiang Gao, Enrico Tronconi
Summary: The reduction and oxidation half-cycles of low-temperature NH3-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) over a Cu-CHA catalyst were studied. The reduction half-cycle proceeds via second-order kinetics in CuII and with a stoichiometric relationship between CuII reduced and NO consumed. The oxidation half-cycle involves complete reoxidation of NH3-solvated Cu sites by O2 + H2O. The coupling of the kinetic models for reduction and oxidation accurately describes the steady-state SCR reactions and predicts various parameters consistent with experimental measurements.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Claudio Ferroni, Mauro Bracconi, Matteo Ambrosetti, Gianpiero Groppi, Matteo Maestri, Enrico Tronconi
Summary: Cellular materials are potential alternatives to honeycomb monoliths for improving automotive DeNOx-SCR abatement efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations are used to assess the performance of these innovative substrates in terms of pressure drop and abatement efficiency. The simulations reveal that a radial flow configuration of the reactor loaded with cellular materials can reduce the pressure drop and improve the abatement efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Abdelrahman Mostafa, Irene Rapone, Aldo Bosetti, Matteo C. Romano, Alessandra Beretta, Gianpiero Groppi
Summary: In this research, the potential of sorption enhanced steam reforming for utilizing gaseous streams recovered from biorefinery hydrogenation processes is explored. The mathematical model analysis highlights that H-2 dilution worsens the performance of sorption enhanced reforming, but increasing the heat capacity of the bed can improve the performance. The presence of C2+ hydrocarbons significantly improves the reformer's performance, increasing the conversion rate and purity.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qingyuan Zheng, Jack H. Williams, Scott Elgersma, Mick D. Mantle, Andrew J. Sederman, G. Leendert Bezemer, Constant M. Guedon, Lynn F. Gladden
Summary: In this study, a pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor compatible with NMR/MRI was developed for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Multiple magnetic resonance techniques were applied to quantitatively characterize different product species within catalyst pellets, providing valuable information for catalyst and reactor optimization.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lisa Ramisch, Sebastian Pfaff, Sabrina M. Gericke, Edvin Lundgren, Johan Zetterberg
Summary: We present a combination of optical operando techniques that allow simultaneous measurement of adsorbed species on catalyst surfaces, monitoring of surface oxide formation, and imaging of the gas phase above the catalyst surface. The experimental setup was validated by studying CO oxidation on Pd(100) at different pressures, revealing the effects of pressure on the heterogeneous catalytic reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marta Paniagua, Gabriel Morales, Juan A. Melero, Daniel Garcia-Salgado
Summary: The influence of common impurities in levulinic acid on the catalytic performance of different acid catalysts for bio-jet fuel production was studied. It was found that furfural had the greatest detrimental effect on catalyst performance, while propyl-sulfonic acid-modified SBA-15 and sulfonic acid resin Amberlyst-70 showed good regeneration ability.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jesus Tapiador, Pedro Leo, Guillermo Calleja, Gisela Orcajo
Summary: This study presents a new MOF material, Zn-URJC-13, with acid and basic sites, permanent porosity, and high affinity to CO2 molecules. The Zn-URJC-13 catalyst exhibits efficient performance in CO2 cycloaddition reactions and can be reused multiple times.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dan Zhao, Vita A. Kondratenko, Dmitry E. Doronkin, Shanlei Han, Jan-Dierk Grunwaldt, Uwe Rodemerck, David Linke, Evgenii V. Kondratenko
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of cheap and commercially available Zr or Ti-based supports and ZnO to serve as active and selective catalysts for propane dehydrogenation (PDH). The catalytically active species formed in situ under PDH conditions consist of isolated ZnOx. ZnOx on the surface of LaZrOx shows the highest rate of propene formation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hanbyeol Kim, Jung Rae Kim, Young-Kwon Park, Jeong-Myeong Ha, Jungho Jae
Summary: In this study, metal phosphates were used as catalysts for biomass conversion to produce sustainable aromatics through DielsAlder cycloaddition reactions. The effects of synthesis method, activation method, and P/Ti molar ratio on the structure and acid properties of titanium phosphate catalysts were systematically studied. The mesoporous titanium phosphate catalyst synthesized by hydrothermal method at 180℃ for 12 h followed by ethanol refluxing at 60℃ for 24 h at a molar P/Ti ratio of 1 showed the highest surface area and acid site density.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yasin Khani, Sumin Pyo, Kwang-Eun Jeong, Chul-Ung Kim, Moonis Ali Khan, Byong-Hun Jeon, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Siyoung Q. Choi, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: A protonated form of Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (H-ZSM-5) catalyst was synthesized through a hydrothermal method using different sources of silica. The effect of loading the catalyst with yttrium, samarium, and gadolinium on the acidic properties was investigated. Among the metal-loaded catalysts, the Sm/LHZ catalyst showed the best performance in the methanol to propylene conversion due to its high amount of weak and intermediate acid sites, while the Gd-LHZ catalyst increased the selectivity towards ethane and propane.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Michael Franc, Ivana Cisarova, Jan Vesely
Summary: The present study investigates an enantioselective cyclization of enals with imidazolone derivatives catalyzed by a combination of achiral Pd(0) complex and chiral secondary amine. Corresponding spirocyclic imidazolones were produced in high yields with moderate diastereoselectivity and excellent enantioselectivity. The developed co-operative catalytic methodology provides a highly substituted spirocyclic scaffold with four stereogenic centers under mild conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mauro Alvarez, Jennifer Cueto, David P. Serrano, Pablo Marin, Salvador Ordonez
Summary: This study focuses on improving the formulation and preparation methods of catalysts for the production of dimethyl carbonate. By using suitable catalyst preparation methods and copper salt precursors, the researchers successfully produced catalysts with optimal performance for dimethyl carbonate formation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Claudia J. Keijzer, Luc C. J. Smulders, Dennie Wezendonk, Jan Willem de Rijk, Petra E. de Jongh
Summary: This study investigates the catalytic behavior of alpha-alumina supported silver catalysts in the presence of chloride. It is found that the particle size of silver can affect the selectivity of the catalyst, but different strategies lead to different results. In this size range, the selectivity of ethylene oxide is correlated to the Ag : Al2O3 surface ratio.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Takeshi Aihara, Wataru Aoki, Michikazu Hara, Keigo Kamata
Summary: The development of acid-base bifunctional catalysts is important for promoting specific chemical transformations. In this study, Ti-based perovskite oxides were synthesized and used as catalysts for two C-C bond-forming reactions (cyanosilylation and Knoevenagel condensation). The highly pure SrTiO3 nanoparticles with a high specific surface area exhibited the highest catalytic performance, and could be easily recovered and reused.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Olga Gorlova, Petra Pribylova, Eliska Vyskocilova, Katerina Peroutkova, Jan Kohout, Iva Paterova
Summary: This study investigates the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of beta-cyclocitral using tin-modified mixed oxides as catalysts. The optimal reaction conditions and the effects of various factors on the reaction course and selectivity were determined. The results show that tin-modified mixed oxides exhibit high activity and selectivity in the oxidation reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. I. Avila, M. M. Alonso-Doncel, L. Briones, G. Gomez-Pozuelo, J. M. Escola, D. P. Serrano, A. Peral, J. A. Botas
Summary: The catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignin using ion-exchanged zeolite catalysts showed significant improvements in bio-oil quality and the production of aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Enrico Catizzone, Giorgia Ferrarelli, Paolo Bruno, Girolamo Giordano, Massimo Migliori
Summary: The acid-catalysed alcohol conversion reaction is a promising route for de-fossilization strategies. Research on pure alcohol conversion and simultaneous dehydration of mixed alcohols have shown different product compositions, with the type and distribution of acid sites affecting the reaction mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Alireza Ranjbari, Juho Kim, Jihee Yu, Jiyun Kim, Mireu Park, Nayoung Kim, Kristof Demeestere, Philippe M. Heynderickx
Summary: This study investigated a novel kinetic model for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using commercial ZnO and reduced ZnO photocatalysts. The results provided new insights into the interaction of catalysts with molecules of different charges and compared with a previous study on methylene blue. The presence of oxygen vacancies in ZnO and their effects on adsorption and photocatalytic degradation were analyzed, and the photocatalytic degradation rate of reduced ZnO was found to increase significantly.