Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Impact Of Biomass Type On Hydrocarbon Yield And Chain Length Distribution Produced Via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Nicholas R. Hawe

Honors Scholar Theses

This paper investigates the relationship between biomass composition and hydrocarbon yield as well as chain length distribution produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Through an Aspen Plus model, the conversion of three different biomasses – digestate, sawdust, and corn stover – into hydrocarbon fuel was simulated. The model converts biomass into gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons via various unit operations and reactions. Simulation results highlight the product distribution and hydrocarbon output, allowing for an analysis of hydrocarbon yield and comparison of chain length distributions amongst the three biomasses. Overall, the simulation showed biomass composition had no significant impact on hydrocarbon yield or chain …

Development Of A Catalytic System Based On N,N’,N”-Tris-(Β-Oxyethyl)Hexahydro-S-Triazine For Polyisocyanuraturethane Foam, Murod K. Karimov, Nozima M. Alimukhamedova, Lochinbek M. Khurramov, Ravshan I. Adilov, Murafar G. Alimukhamedov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this work is to develop a catalytic system for the production of polyisocyanurateurethane foams based on N,N',N"-tris(β-hydroxyethyl)hexahydro-S-triazine (TOEGT). N,N',N"-tris(β-hydroxyethyl)hexahydro-S-triazine (TOEGT) exhibits high catalytic activity in polyurethane foam production processes. However, it exhibited moderate catalytic activity in polyisocyanurateurethane  foams, the formation of which is characterized by the sequential-parallel reactions of urethane formation, isocyanate trimerization, and foaming (isocyanate + water). By varying the composition of the catalytic mixture, the required concentrations of each component were determined, which made it possible to synthesize polyisocyanurateurethane foams that meet the requirements of casting polyurethane foams. The optimal ratio of N,N',N"-tris(β-hydroxyethyl)hexahydro-S-triazine: triethylenediamine: tin …

Catalytic Hydropyrolysis Of Beetle Killed Trees For The Production Of Transportation Biofuels, Oluwanisola Makinde, Fernando L.P. Resende, Michael Asama, Demian F. Gomez

Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We conducted catalytic hydropyrolysis of beetle-killed trees: Pine, Ash tree, and Redbay in a micro-pyrolyzer (Py/GC–MS) and investigated the performance of heterogeneous catalysts like HZSM-5, NiMo-HZSM- 5, and NiRe-HZSM- 5. We also investigated the effects of temperature, catalyst-to- biomass ratio, and hydrogen pressure on product yield. Our findings reveal that aromatic yields increase with temperature and catalyst-to- biomass ratio but decline at higher hydrogen pressures; additionally, higher catalyst acidity enhances both total hydrocarbon production and selectivity toward C7–C8 aromatics, with each feedstock exhibiting distinct optimal conditions. The type of metal doped on the HZSM-5 zeolite plays an important role in …

Nanao/Organocatalyat Sio2/4-(2-Aminoethyl)-Morpholine As A New, Reusable, And Efficacious Catalyst For The Synthesis Of Polyhydroquinolines Derivatives And Antibacterially Active Evaluation, Leila Amiri-Zirtol, Zahra Karimi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Ahmad Gholami, Seyedeh Narjes Abootalebi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, a new nanocomposite comprising 4-(2-Aminoethyl)-morpholine, an organic catalyst, was prepared on the surface of silica. The absence of metal in the catalyst structure contributes to its environmental friendliness. This novel nanocatalyst was used for multi-component reactions (MCRs). Having a nano size for the composite enhances the contact between the raw materials and the catalytic surface, leading to significant advancement in the reaction. The synthesized composite was identified and evaluated using FT-IR, EDX, EDX-Mapping, TGA, XRD, BET, TEM, and FE-SEM analysis. The characteristic analysis confirmed the synthesis of both nano-silica/4-(2-Aminoethyl)-morpholine catalyst and polyhydroquinoline. The composite’s catalytic properties for …

Anion Exchange Membrane Durability For Electrochemical Co2 Reduction In Membrane Electrode Assembly Cells, Soundarzo Tasnim

LSU Master's Theses

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ using membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cells has emerged as a promising approach for carbon capture and conversion into valuable products. This study investigates the degradation mechanisms of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) in CO₂ reduction applications, focusing on Sustainion X37-50, PiperION, and FAA-3-50. The research analyzes the impact of chemical and mechanical degradation on membrane performance, highlighting key stability challenges in long-term operation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to monitor functional group stability and ionic conductivity loss over extended operation. The results indicate that hydroxide-induced degradation leads to nucleophilic …

Effect Of The Cao Catalyst Concentration Based On Barnacle Shells (Tetraclita Squamosa) On Biodiesel Production From Coconut Oil, Rinjani Rakasiwi, Sri Rezeki, Nurul Hafiza, Wivina Diah Ivontianti

Makara Journal of Technology

Barnacle shells are a source of the calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst, which is nontoxic, highly alkaline, and biodegradable. This study aims to determine the characteristics and the effect of the CaO catalyst concentration obtained from the calcination of barnacle shell particles at a temperature of 900 ℃ for 2 and 4 h on the transesterification reaction of biodiesel from coconut oil. Transesterification was conducted at 65℃ for 2 h with a methanol/coconut oil molar ratio of 6:1. The concentration of the CaO catalyst was varied (i.e., 1wt%, 3wt%, 5wt%, 7wt%, and 9wt%) for coconut oil. The results of the characterization …

Synthesis Of Acetylene-Based Hetarene Derivatives In The Presence Of Catalysts, Abdulla T. Umrzokov, Abduvaxаb Ikramov, Khusnitdin M. Vapoev, Yusuf K. Zhumanov, Sardor M. Kodirov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of the study is to synthesize hetaren derivatives of acetylene amination reactions using local natural raw materials as catalyst carriers. Various grades of Oltintag and Angren kaolins, various grades of Navbakhor bentonite, as well as the opaque rock of the Karmaninsky deposit were used as catalyst carriers. Thermal, acidic and hydrothermal treatment was carried out on the appropriate sorbents, with the production of catalysts of various modifications from sorbents and active components. The processes of catalytic condensation of acetylene with ammonia were studied using modified catalysts. The effect of the reaction temperature, the active components of the catalyst, …

Immobilization Of Ni(Ii) On Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica As Catalyst For Benzyl Alcohol Acetylation Reaction, Wardah Nabilah, Eko Sri Kunarti, Fajar Inggit Pambudi

Makara Journal of Science

In this study, amine-functionalized and Ni(II)-immobilized mesoporous silica materials were synthesized. This research aimed to synthesize mesoporous silica based on rice husk ash functionalized with amine and immobilized with Ni(II). The activity of amine-functionalized and Ni(II)-immobilized mesoporous silica materials was studied for the acetylation of benzyl alcohol with acetic anhydride as the acetylating agent. First, mesoporous silica was synthesized using rice husk ash using the sol–gel method, followed by amine functionalization using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and Ni(II) immobilization through ultrasonic treatment. The results obtained showed that amine-functionalized and Ni(II)-immobilized mesoporous silica (SiO₂/APTES/Ni(II)) were successfully synthesized, confirmed by Fourier transform …

Electrocatalytic Cyclopropanation Of Active Methylene Compounds, Liang-Hua Jie, Hai-Chao Xu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The development of novel strategies to access cyclopropanes has become increasingly important due to the vital role of these three-membered ring structures in synthetic intermediates, natural products, and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we present an electrocatalytic method for the synthesis of cyclopropanes through intermolecular dehydrogenative annulation of active methylene compounds and arylalkenes. This electrochemical process requires no chemical oxidants, allowing for a speedy access to various functionalized cyclopropanes from inexpensive and readily available materials.

Change Of Metal Oxidation State At High Temperature, Impact Of Temperature And Reactive Gases, Yegor Nikitin

Dissertations and Theses

The fundamental understanding of gas-solid reactions enables a wide range of applications to be developed and improved. Specifically, the use of metal-based materials is critical to ensuring robust, safe, and long-term operations. For example, in power systems where boilers are used to generate steam for heat or electricity generation the use of stainless metal alloys is critical to allow high quality steam to be produced in a very harsh environment. Alternatively, in catalysis, the use of metal doped heterogeneous catalysts are essential in achieving selectivity and conversion performance for chemical synthesis to emissions abatement. Typically, these metal alloys must withstand …

Advanced Materials For High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries, Jian Yang

Dissertations

With the advantages of high capacity and low cost, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been considered as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries. However, the wide adoption of LSBs to the commercial markets is limited due to the fast capacity decay and low utilization of sulfur. To address these issues, advanced cathodes with high electronic conductivity and strong affinity to elemental sulfur and lithium polysulfides, which are intermediate products during the charge/discharge process, have been developed in this program. Carbon aerogels (RFCs) with controllable porous architectures have been fabricated through adjusting the process parameters and used as the …

Hydrothermal Liquefaction Of Saccharina Latissima For The Production Of Biofuel, Mayokun A. Oke

Mechanical Engineering Theses

We performed hydrothermal liquefaction of brown macroalga (Saccharina latissima) in the presence of homogenous and heterogenous catalysts such as KOH, Na₂CO₃, Pd/C, HZSM-5, Ce/HZSM-5, and Ni/SiO₂-Al₂O₃ in hot compressed water, to investigate their effects on product yield and composition in the biocrude. To investigate hydrocarbon production, we used methanol as co-solvent (methanol-to-water 1/4 vol.%) and as the only liquefaction solvent. We carried out the experiments in a batch reactor at 330^oC and 120-130 bar, and varying temperature, algae-to-water ratio, residence time, and pretreatment method. The biocrude yields …

Improved Selectivity And Stability In Methane Dry Reforming By Atomic Layer Deposition Onto Ni-Ceo2-Zro2/Al2o3 Catalysts, Jonathan Lucas

LSU Master's Theses

The use of Ni in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) has been widely studied as a replacement for noble metal catalysts (Pt, Pd, Rh) due to Ni’s low cost compared to noble metals, its abundance, and the fact that its DRM activity is near that of noble metal catalysts. However, Ni has been shown to deactivate quickly under DRM conditions. Rare earth oxides such as CeO₂, or as CeO₂-ZrO₂ (CZO) are supports that improve both the activity and stability of Ni DRM systems due to their redox activity. However, this same activity is thought …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Hybrid Catalysts For Fischer-Tropsch Jet Fuel Production, Jack M. Steinagel

Honors College Theses

Climate change is a major issue that our world is facing today. Finding renewable options for current infrastructure is paramount to solving this issue. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of syngas from gasified biomass can produce renewable fuels that can be used in current conventional combustion engines. In order to make this process more industrially viable, a higher selectivity towards the desired range of liquid hydrocarbon products must be achieved. A novel way to do this is to introduce a catalyst to the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The catalyst’s physical and chemical properties can promote chain growth of specific hydrocarbons. For the purpose of this …

Electrocatalytic "Volcano-Type" Effect Of Nano-Tio2 (A)/(R) Phase Content In Pt/Tio2-CnX Catalyst, Ai-Lin Cui, Yang Bai, Hong-Ying Yu, Hui-Min Meng

Journal of Electrochemistry

The relationship between the electrochemical activity of fuel cell catalysts and Pt particle size, as well as the catalyst support and co-catalyst is still unclear. In this work, FESEM, XRD, BET, TEM and CV techniques were adopted to investigate the effects of TiO₂ anatase (A)/rutile (R) phases content on the electrochemical activity of Pt electrocatalyst. The results showed that the anatase-rutile phase transformation occurred during the heat treatment of TiO₂ at 700 ~ 900 ^oC accompanied by the growth of two-phase crystalline size, and anatase was completely transformed into rutile at 900 ^oC. TEM results revealed …

First-Principles Based Heterogeneous Catalyst Design For Energy Conversion And Plastics Upcycling Processes, Kyung-Eun You

Theses and Dissertations

Replacing scarce and expensive Pt-group metals (Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, and Ru) commonly used in heterogeneous catalysis with earth-abundant and inexpensive materials is an important challenge to achieve sustainability

The main focus of the first project is to develop highly selective non-precious metal catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass-derived polyols and we chose to examine the HDO of glycerol and its deoxygenated reaction products (1,2- and 1,3- propanediol) over Cu modified Mo₂C (Cu/Mo₂C) catalysts. In this study, we combined experimental and density functional theory (DFT) results to reveal that the Cu modifier can significantly reduce …

A Novel Pulsed-Plasma Catalytic Reactor For Dry Reforming Of Methane, Benjamin F. Caithamer

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Concerns over greenhouse gases have led to an increased interest in the Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM) which produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the reaction of two greenhouse gases (CO₂ and CH₄) over a catalyst. Currently, DRM is primarily a catalytic process which operates at temperatures between 700°C - 900°C, and 10 to 20 bar using a 1–1.5 ratio of CH₄/CO₂. Unfortunately, these conditions also promote the water-gas shift reaction, which produces additional CO₂. Catalyst coking and sintering can also be significant problems at these harsh conditions. We have developed …

Removal Of Methylene Blue By Adsorption Of Water Hyacinth Derived Active Carbon Embedded With Cobalt Nanoparticles, Hany A. Elazab, A. O. Okasha, M. A. Radwan, M. A. Sadek, Amin Firouzi, Tamer T. El-Idreesy

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this research, active carbon-based catalyst synthesis and characterization were tested for potential catalysts to be used in dye removal of methylene blue (MB). Water hyacinth is one of the major problems that is facing humankind and especially here in Egypt. One of the implications of industrial activities is environmental pollution. Dyes used in the production of textiles, paper, and clothes are one of the major pollutants. The waste of those dyes discharged into water supplies without treatment or with ineffective treatment harmfully impacts the environment. In this research, the treatment is implemented using active carbon-based catalysts using embedded nanoparticles. …

Research Of New Fireproof Supplied Polymer Composites Based On Epoxy Resin For Metal Structures, Kuvondiq Murtazaev, F.N. Nurkulov, D.N. Mukhiddinov, M.T. Аbdirova

Technical science and innovation

In the article proposes new compositions based on fire retardant expanded polymer composites of epoxy resin ED-20 and phosphorus-containing oligomers, catalysts, aluminum hydroxide and nitrogen-containing compounds.

The obtained sample of fire retardant expanded polymer composites based on epoxy resin, as well as the initial substances, were investigated by IR spectroscopy (Nicolet 5700), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) (SDT Q600) of physical and chemical properties and determination of fire retardant efficiency according to GOST R 53295-2009.

Infrared spectroscopy has been used to determine the bends and epoxy groups that characterize composites, as well as to determine the frequencies of phosphorus, nitrogen, and metal-containing …

Catalytic And Non-Catalytic Methods For Hydrocarbon Upgrading, Valorization, And Pollutant Control, Michael Morgan Royko

Theses and Dissertations

This work investigates catalytic and non-catalytic oxidative chemical upgrading and pollutant remediation techniques to responsibly utilize hydrocarbon feedstocks with existing infrastructure as the transition to more renewable and cleaner feedstocks for energy generation are developed. These technologies include oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane, development of magnetically separable catalysts to reduce carbon monoxide emissions during biomass upgrading as well as the subsequent use of the upgraded biomass for partial coal replacement, and electrochemical treatment of a washcoat free wire mesh supported catalyst to reduce carbon monoxide emissions in combustion exhaust.

First, doping of secondary metals in M1/M2 catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of …

Synthesis Of Some N-Oxides Of Pyridylacethylene Amines Based On 2-Methyl-5-Ethynylpyridine, Abduvakhab Ikramov, Odiljon Ziyadullayev, Adkham Khamidjanov, Shavkat Bojariev, Davron Khandamov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this work is to study the reaction of 2-methyl-5-ethynylpyridine N-oxide with some aliphatic and aromatic amines to obtain N-oxides of pyridylacetylenic amines. 2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine converted to 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine by dehydrogenation, and 2-methyl-5-ethynylpyridine obtained by bromination and dehydrobromination. 2-methyl-5-ethynylpyridine N-oxide synthesized by oxidation of 2-methyl-5-ethynylpyridine with perhydrol in acetic anhydride. The synthesis of N-oxides of pyridylacetylenic amines by the Mannich reaction carried out. The effect of the solvents: methanol, ethanol and n-dioxane, the catalyst, and the reaction time on the yield of the final product studied. The structure and composition of the synthesized PAA N-oxides were established using IR and …

Natural Gas Conversion To Value-Added Chemicals By Microwave Catalytic Processes, Brandon Robinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ethane is the second-largest component in natural gas and is typically separated out to minimize condensation in the pipelines. The technical difficulties and cost associated with the transportation and the storage of ethane have led companies to start burning natural gas to produce power or flaring which attributes to the global CO₂ emission problem. The conversion of ethane to higher-value liquid products is of increasing importance so that the natural gas can be safely utilized and cost-effectively transported. Existing commercial technologies used to convert ethane to liquid chemical products are typically based on the indirect syngas route, such as …

Dry Reforming Of Methane Using Microwave Irradiated Metal Oxide/Coal Char Catalysts, Anthony Carter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research focuses on the synthesis of both shaped and amorphous powder materials, the combination of these materials with dried Powder River Basin (PRB) coal char, and their reactionary properties with methane and carbon dioxide gasses with conventional and microwave (MW) heating. The first goal of this project was to synthesize shaped micro and nano sized particles with ideal dielectric properties for converting electromagnetic energy into heat and proven capabilities of activating methane. These particles were synthesized via solvothermal, hydrothermal, and co-preceptory treatments alone and onto the surface of dried PRB coal char. PRB is a sub-bituminous, low-ranking coal (LRC) …

Development Of Novel Catalysts For Hydrogen Gas Production From Biomass Compounds, Boanerges Bamaca

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Hydrothermal biomass gasification technologies (sub- and supercritical water gasification and aqueous-phase reforming) have considerable economic, environmental, and technical advantages over other energy-extensive technologies (e.g. natural gas reforming) for hydrogen gas production. However, lack of economically feasible and highly active catalysts is a main challenge that impedes upscaling of these technologies for hydrogen gas production.

The goal of this study was to develop innovative, economically feasible and active heterogeneous supported metal catalysts for hydrothermal processes for producing hydrogen gas from biomass-derived compounds. Because of its stable structure and chemical inertness, graphene was used as catalyst support. Graphene supported metal catalysts were …

What Difference Does A Catalyst Make?, Tammy Guthrie, Mike Jackson, Holly Haney

High School Lesson Plans

Students will use different catalysts for the decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide, to determine if different catalysts affect the energy that is generated during the reaction.

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Catalytic Application Of Porous Resin, Mahboubeh Nabavinia

Theses and Dissertations

The abilities to tailor catalytic functional groups and chemical characteristics onto a robust polymer structure make mesoporous phenolic resins great candidates for catalytic support applications. The use of a template synthesis method for configuring a catalytic structure is neither commercially nor environmentally friendly. In this Ph.D. thesis, new one-pot template-free methods for synthesizing mesoporous metal-doped phenol-formaldehyderesin were developed. The methods facilitate scaling for industrial catalytic applications in pharmaceutical, environmental, and medical applications. Heterogeneous palladium centered catalytic mesoporous structures were synthesized by a single-stage template-free method. BET adsorption measurements, SEM, EDX, XPS, and TEM were used to study the surface area, …

Nio@Rgo Supported Palladium And Silver Nanoparticles As Electrocatalysts For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Shuo Yao, Tai-Zhong Huang, Rizwan Haider, Heng-Yi Fang, Jie-Mei Yu, Zhan-Kun Jiang, Dong Liang, Yue Sun, Xian-Xia Yuan

Journal of Electrochemistry

For pervasive applications of fuel cells, highly efficient and economical materials are required to replace Pt-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, the NiO@rGO, Pd-NiO@rGO and Ag-NiO@rGO nanoparticles were synthesized, and their catalytic performances toward ORR were investigated. The results revealed that all the three materials were capable of catalyzing ORR, but both the Pd-NiO@rGO and Ag-NiO@rGO showed the better performances compared with the NiO@rGO in terms of the reaction pathway being 4-electron process, the increases of the onset potential and the intermediate yielding rate, as well as the extended stability. Moreover, the effect of Pd modification …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Pvp Based Catalysts For Selected Application In Catalysis, Hany A. Elazab, Mohamed N. Ayad, Mohamed M. Hammam, M. A. Radwan, M. A. Sadek

Chemical Engineering

This research aims to study the catalyst activity in specific reactions and the characteristics of the catalyst in order to optimize its performance. This research investigates PVP based catalysts and their properties and applications. PVP was prepared in combination with different metal oxides in order to be tested for different catalytic applications including dye removal. Methyl orange was used as a dye and different concentrations were tested against different metallic ions in order to optimize the catalyst for being used in dye removal applications. Spectrophotometer was used to calculate the concentration of the dye before and after catalyst exposure and …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Chitosan Based Catalyst For Catalysis Applications, Hany A. Elazab, Yousab G. Remiz, M. A. Radwan, M. A. Radwan, M. A. Sadek

Chemical Engineering

In this research, chitosan based catalyst synthesis and characterization was investigated for different application in catalysis as chitosan based catalyst was combined with metal oxides in order to be used in dye removal of methyl orange (MO). Diluted acetic acid was used to dissolve chitosan then different percentages for metallic ions were mixed with diluted chitosan and then, 500 μL were added to the sample to reduce the metal salts then, microwave was used to heat the mixture for 5 minutes and then dried at 80-100 °C. Finally, X- ray diffraction was used to confirm the catalyst prepared. The aim …

Chemical And Thermal Sintering Of Supported Metals With Emphasis On Cobalt Catalysts During Fischer−Tropsch Synthesis, Mahmood Rahmati, Mohammad-Saeed Safdari, Thomas H. Fletcher, Morris D. Argyle, Calvin H. Bartholomew

Faculty Publications

This comprehensive critical review combines, for the first time, recent advances in nanoscale surface chemistry, surface science, DFT, adsorption calorimetry, and in situ XRD and TEM to provide new insights into catalyst sintering. This work provides qualitative and quantitative estimates of the extent and rate of sintering as functions of nanocrystal (NC) size, temperature, and atmosphere. This review is unique in that besides summarizing important, useful data from previous studies, it also advances the field through addition of (i) improved or new models, (ii) new data summarized in original tables and figures, and (iii) new fundamental perspectives into sintering of …