Synthesis,characterization and corrosion performance evaluation of DDR membrane for H2 separation from HI decomposition reaction

An all silica DDR (deca dodecasil rhombohedral) zeolite membrane with dense, interlocked structure has been developed for separation of H₂ from HI/I₂ mixture of HI decomposition reaction. In this work, the DDR zeolite membrane was synthesized on the seeded clay-alumina substrate within 5 days. The seeds were synthesized by sonication mediated hydrothermal process within short crystallization time which enhanced the nucleation for the membrane growth. The synthesized membranes along with seed crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The selectivity of hydrogen with respect to CO₂ and Ar was evaluated by single gas permeation studies at room temperature. The tests for corrosion resistance were carried out upto 120 h with both support and DDR membrane at 130 °C which confirmed the stability of membrane under the harsh HI/I₂ environment.     

Antimicrobial packaging of raw beef,pork and turkey using silver‐zeolite incorporated into the material

This study determined the efficacy of silver‐zeolite impregnated into wrapping paper to reduce the bacterial growth on raw beef, pork and turkey cuts. This was compared with that of regular butcher paper. The samples were inoculated with Pseudomonas putida (psychrotrophic spoilage bacterium) and stored on 4% silver‐zeolite and regular butcher paper for up to 4 days at 4 °C and 10 °C. Results showed that P. putida on the beef, pork and turkey samples did not increase in numbers after exposure to all paper packaging at 4 °C during the 4 days of storage. At 10 °C storage temperature, logarithmic growth patterns for the organisms were seen on all paper packaging. However, the growth rate was slower for the organisms on the silver‐zeolite paper. Storage on the silver‐zeolite paper accounted for one log cfu/sample mean reduction in viable cell count for the beef, pork and turkey samples when compared with the samples stored on the butcher paper at 3 days.     

Material properties and operating configurations of membrane reactors for propane dehydrogenation

A modeling‐based approach is presented to understand physically realistic and technologically interesting material properties and operating configurations of packed‐bed membrane reactors (PBMRs) for propane dehydrogenation (PDH). PBMRs composed of microporous or mesoporous membranes combined with a PDH catalyst are considered. The influence of reaction and membrane transport parameters, as well as operating parameters such as sweep flow and catalyst placement, are investigated to determine desired “operating windows” for isothermal and nonisothermal operation. Higher Damköhler (Da) and lower Péclet (Pe) numbers are generally helpful, but are much more beneficial with highly H₂‐selective membranes rather than higher‐flux, lower‐selectivity membranes. H₂‐selective membranes show a plateau region of conversion that can be overcome by a large sweep flow or countercurrent operation. The latter shows a complex trade‐off between kinetics and permeation, and is effective only in a limited window. H₂‐selective PBMRs will greatly benefit from the fabrication of thin (～1 µm or less) membranes. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 922–935, 2015     

A systematic methodology for kinetic modeling of chemical reactions applied to n‐hexane hydroisomerization

Kinetic modeling provides chemical engineers with a unique opportunity to better understand reaction kinetics in general and the underlying chemistry in particular. How to systematically approach a modeling assignment in chemical reaction kinetics is typically less clear, especially for novices in the field. The proposed modeling methodology pursues an adequate compromise between statistical significance and physical meaning of the kinetic model and the corresponding parameters and typically results in models of an appropriate complexity. It comprises the following activities: (1) data analysis, aiming at qualitative information on the reaction mechanism and corresponding rate equations, (2) model regression to quantify this information via optimal parameter values, and (3) validation of the statistical significance and physical meaning of the parameter estimates. This methodology is successfully applied to n‐hexane hydroisomerization on a bifunctional catalyst. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 880–892, 2015     

Lewis Base Additives Improve the Zeolite Ferrierite‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Isostearic Acids

Isostearic acids (IA) are highly utilized for industrial purposes especially in the area of biolubricants, such as cosmetics and slip additives for polyolefin and related copolymer films. This study was designed to develop a zeolitic catalysis process for efficient IA production through isomerization of fatty acids. The process utilized zeolite protonated Ferrierite with a small amount of base additive to neutralize (i.e., poison) the acidic sites on the external surfaces of the zeolite particles to prevent side reactions. Of the six base additives examined, the proton sponge combined with the zeolite protonated Ferrierite was found to be the most effective for this isomerization. With only 0.5 wt% proton sponge additive to 5.0 wt% Ferrierite, the dimers were successfully suppressed from 20.6 wt% yield to 2.42 wt% with an IA yield of 83.4 wt% and a 98 % conversion.     

硅铝比对ZSM-5分子筛催化甲醇制烯烃性能的影响

以n(Si)/n(A1)分别为25、38、50、80、360的ZSM-5分子筛为催化剂,利用N2吸附-脱附、XRD和NH3-TPD对催化剂的孔结构和表面酸性进行表征分析,测定催化剂对甲醇制低碳烯烃(MTO)各产物的选择性,讨论催化剂的孔结构与表面酸性对其催化性能的影响。结果表明,随硅铝比增加,催化剂平均孔径逐渐减小,中强酸逐渐消失,酸强度逐渐减弱,烯烃的选择性逐渐增大,催化剂的稳定性逐渐增强。其中,硅铝比360的分子筛具有最低的表面酸强度,最大的比表面积和最小的孔径,MTO催化性能最佳,乙烯+丙烯的选择性达69.36%。     

Multifunctional Silver‐Exchanged Zeolite Micromotors for Catalytic Detoxification of Chemical and Biological Threats

Multifunctional reactive‐zeolite‐based micromotors have been developed and characterized toward effective and rapid elimination of chemical and biological threats. The incorporation of silver ions (Ag⁺) into aluminosilicate zeolite framework imparts several attractive functions, including strong binding to chemical warfare agents (CWA) followed by effective degradation, and enhanced antibacterial activity. The new zeolite‐micromotors protocol thus combines the remarkable adsorption capacity of zeolites and the efficient catalytic properties of the reactive Ag⁺ ions with the autonomous movement of the zeolite micromotors for an accelerated detoxification of CWA. Furthermore, the high antibacterial activity of Ag⁺ along with the rapid micromotor movement enhances the contact between bacteria and reactive Ag⁺, leading to a powerful “on‐the‐fly” bacteria killing capacity. These attractive adsorptive/catalytic features of the self‐propelled zeolite micromotors eliminate secondary environmental contamination compared to adsorptive micromotors. The distinct cubic geometry of the zeolite micromotors leads to enhanced bubble generation and faster movement, in unique movement trajectories, which increases the fluid convection and highly efficient detoxification of CWA and killing of bacteria. The attractive capabilities of these zeolite micromotors will pave the way for their diverse applications in defense, environmental and biomedical applications in more economical and sustainable manner.     

A review on Zeolite-Reinforced Polymeric Membranes: Salient Features and Applications

Various types of synthetic polymeric membranes have been fabricated for separation purposes in industry/laboratory. Zeolite is ceramic-based material and well known for its antiwear resistance and high mechanical strength. Mixed matrix membranes are the latest membrane technology constituting inorganic nanoparticle phase and organic polymer phase. The review represents various types and applications of zeolite-reinforced polymeric membranes. Consequently, fabrication procedure and working principle of zeolite-reinforced mixed matrix (polyimide, polysulfone, polycarbonate) membranes have been discussed. The significant relevance of polymer/zeolite membranes is in water purification, medical, catalytic, and gas separation industries. Improvement in polymeric membrane properties has been observed through incorporation of zeolite filler.     

ZSM-5分子筛在MTP反应中的催化性能

合成了3种不同晶粒尺寸的ZSM-5分子筛,并制得MTP催化剂,对ZSM-5分子筛催化剂在MTP反应中的性能进行系统研究。采用XRD、SEM、N2物理吸附和TGA等对ZSM-5分子筛催化剂进行表征,发现小晶粒的ZSM-5分子筛具有良好的抗积炭性能,在MTP反应中具有较高的稳定性。采用小晶粒分子筛制成的催化剂,考察反应工艺条件对催化剂催化性能的影响,结果表明,丙烯选择性随反应温度和空速提高而增加,降低反应压力和提高水醇质量比也有利于提高丙烯选择性,为调整MTP工艺的产物分布和优化反应工艺条件提供了技术依据。