Catalytic Glycerol Hydrodeoxygenation under Inert Atmosphere: Ethanol as a Hydrogen Donor

Catalysts

Efterpi S. Vasiliadou¹  Angeliki A. Lemonidou¹ 

[1]Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

[2] E-Mail:

关键词: platinum catalyst;    nickel catalyst;    copper catalyst;    glycerol hydrodeoxygenation;    ethanol reforming;    1;    2-propanediol;    aqueous phase;   

DOI  :  10.3390/catal4040397

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Glycerol hydrodeoxygenation to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) is a reaction of high interest. However, the need for hydrogen supply is a main drawback of the process. According to the concept investigated here, 1,2-propanediol is efficiently formed using bio-glycerol feedstock with H₂ formed in situ via ethanol aqueous phase reforming. Ethanol is thought to be a promising H₂ source, as it is alcohol that can be used instead of methanol for transesterification of oils and fats. The H₂ generated is consumed in the tandem reaction of glycerol hydrodeoxygenation. The reaction cycle proceeds in liquid phase at 220–250 °C and 1.5–3.5 MPa initial N₂ pressure for a 2 and 4-h reaction time. Pt-, Ni- and Cu-based catalysts have been synthesized, characterized and evaluated in the reaction. Among the materials tested, Pt/Fe₂O₃-Al₂O₃ exhibited the most promising performance in terms of 1,2-propanediol productivity, while reusability tests showed a stable behavior. Structural integrity and no formation of carbonaceous deposits were verified via Temperature Programmed Desorption of hydrogen (TPD-H₂) and thermogravimetric analysis of the fresh and used Pt/FeAl catalyst. A study on the effect of various operating conditions (reaction time, temperature and pressure) indicated that in order to maximize 1,2-propanediol productivity and yield, milder reaction conditions should be applied. The highest 1,2-propanediol yield, 53% (1.1 g_1,2-PDO g_cat⁻¹·h⁻¹), was achieved at a lower reaction temperature of 220 °C.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.