Development of a new low-temperature methanol synthesis process

A new reaction route of methanol synthesis at low temperature from CO₂-containing syngas with Cu/ZnO catalyst and the aid of alcohols has been developed in a batch and a flow-type semi-batch reactors. The use of alcohols as catalytic solvents realized methanol synthesis at 443 K with formate as an intermediate. The activity of methanol synthesis depends on types and structures of alcohols. Among all alcohols, 2-alcohol exhibited the highest activity. With the aid of 2-butanol, the one-pass 47.0% conversion and 98.9% selectivity were achieved at a mild condition, 443 K and 50 bar. The new reaction route of methanol synthesis is a practical method for near future technology.     

Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Fusel Oil Using a CeCoOx Mixed-Oxide Catalyst

Various CeCoO_x mixed-oxide catalysts with different Ce/Co ratios were prepared by surfactant-assisted template precipitation of CeO₂ and Ce₃O₄. The obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, nitrogen physisorption, and transmission electron microscopy. In general, the mixed-oxide CeCoO_x catalysts showed well-dispersed CeO₂ and Co₃O₄ and good catalytic characteristics including a high specific surface area and porous structure. The effectiveness of the prepared catalysts on the hydrogen (H₂) production from steam reforming of fusel oil was studied in a packed-bed reactor. Co played an important role in C–C scission to break down the large C_2–5 molecules into smaller species resulting in H₂ formation. Ce could provide supplementary active oxygen to prevent coke formation on Co, resulting in a more stable activity of the mixed-oxide catalyst throughout the reaction course.     

Catalytically active supercritical fluid to accelerate methanol synthesis

Supercritical phase 2-butanol significantly increased the conversion of methanol synthesis from syngas not only by the conventional promotion effect of supercritical fluid but also by the catalytic effect of 2-butanol solvent itself, breaking through the thermodynamic limitation of this reaction effectively.     

A Novel, Low Temperature Synthesis Method of Dimethyl Ether Over Cu–Zn Catalyst Based on Self-Catalysis Effect of Methanol

A new DME synthesis route from syngas at a relatively low temperature (443 K) has been developed for the first time by the combination of a conventional DME synthesis catalyst (Cu/ZnO:HZSM-5 catalyst) with methanol as a catalytic solvent. The addition of methanol to the reaction system is the key to the success of DME synthesis at this temperature. Indeed, a CO conversion of 29 and 43% with a DME selectivity of 69 and 68% were achieved at 443 or 453 K, respectively, and 4 MPa, when methanol was used as a catalytic solvent. Importantly, no other by-products including methanol and hydrocarbons were observed in the DME product attained, suggesting no significant subsequent purification stages. Assuming no scale up problems, this process potentially provides a high purity of DME with less energy consumption, and so offers an opportunity for the economically viable future sustainable production of DME.     

Polyisoprene modified poly(alkyl acrylate) foam as oil sorbent material

Biorenewable polyisoprene latex obtained from natural rubber, Hevea brasiliensis, was used to prepare the reusable polyisoprene–poly(alkyl acrylate) foam for petroleum‐based liquid absorption. The foam was produced via latex vulcanization and cured by steaming. The effect of various types of poly(alkyl acrylate) such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) on oil sorption capacity of the foam were studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed interconnected open‐cell macrostructure with the foam porosity greater than 75% and good compression set. The oil sorption capacity of the foam was in the range of 2.0–16.6 g g^?1. The addition of poly(alkyl acrylate) enhanced hydrophobicity and oil sorption capacity of the foam. The absorbed oil was easily recovered by squeezing and the foam can be reused up to 30 sorption–desorption cycles and still preserve high quality sorption. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42688.     

Rose-Like 2D Layered Silicate Supported Fe3O4 Catalysts for Improved Selectivity Toward Olefins in CO Hydrogenation

Catalysis Letters - Hydrophilic 2D layered silicate supported Fe3O4 catalyst (Fe3O4/2D-LS) was prepared by an impregnation method and showed greatly improved olefin selectivity in CO hydrogenation....     

High Catalytic Activity of a Nickel Phosphide Nanocatalyst Supported on Melamine-Doped Activated Carbon for Deoxygenation

Topics in Catalysis - Nickel-based catalysts are inexpensive and exhibit high catalytic activity; therefore, they have been extensively explored in deoxygenation reactions. Employing catalyst...