Catalysis and Reaction 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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) …

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 …

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.

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 Chitosan Based Catalyst For Catalysis Applications, Mostafa Radwan

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 …

Development Of Novel Adsorbent For Industrial Waste Water Treatment, Hassaan M. Shehata, Dalia A. Ali, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Hany A. Elazab, Hoda A. Elsawy Dr

Chemical Engineering

The main objective of this research project is to perform some experimental procedures to inform the ability of the novel adsorbent used in this project. The chemical modification of the adsorbent is the chemical oxidation of pure powder chitosan using some specific redox pairs which are potassium dichromate and sodium bisulphite. After preparing the modified chitosan, there are some parameters that must be discussed during the adsorption process. The first parameter is the time parameter, showing experimentally the optimum time for adsorption under certain conditions by collecting values of absorbance and concentration of thymol blue adsorbed after the process from …

Influences Of Morphology And Nitrogen Doping On The Electrocatalytic Characteristics For Oxygen Reduction Reaction Of Nio/Rgo, Dong Liang, Heng-Yi Fang, Shuo Yao, Jie-Mei Yu, Zhao-Liang Zhang, Zhan-Kun Jiang, Xue-Ping Gao, Tai-Zhong Huang

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this research, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported sheet-like NiO (NiO/rGO) and spherical-like NiO (NiO/N-rGO) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were prepared. The structures, morphologies and chemical states of the two catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical catalytic performance of the two catalysts for ORR were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel, linear sweeping voltammetry (LSV), rotating disc electrode (RDE) and rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE) tests. Electrochemical results showed that the current density and onset potential (about 0.89 V) …

Scaling Relationships Across Chemically Related Adsorbates For Fast Screening Of Alloy Catalysts For Propane Dehydrogenation, Anne Esther Serban, Ranga Rohit Seemakurthi, Brandon C. Bukowski, Jeffrey Greeley

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

A catalyst is a material which speeds up the rate of a specific reaction. A reaction that is of significant importance to the chemical industry is the selective transformations of light alkanes (ethane, propane), which are largely available in shale gas, to olefins. These olefins can then be converted into higher-value chemicals, materials, and fuels. However, there are several undesired reactions that take place alongside the main dehydrogenation reaction, so a catalyst of high selectivity is desired. Apart from the industrially used PtSn catalyst, work by our experimental collaborators has shown that various other Pt and Pd alloys (In, Zn) …

Synergistic Interactions Of H2 And N2 With Molten Gallium In The Presence Of Plasma, Maria L. Carreon, Daniel F. Jaramillo-Cabanzo, Indira Chaudhuri, Madhu Menon, Mahendra K. Sunkara

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

The present study examines the interaction of hydrogen and nitrogen plasmas with gallium in an effort to gain insights into the mechanisms behind the synergetic effect of plasma and a catalytic metal. Absorption/desorption experiments were performed, accompanied by theoretical-computational calculations. Experiments were carried out in a plasma-enhanced, Ga-packed, batch reactor and entailed monitoring the change in pressure at different temperatures. The results indicated a rapid adsorption/dissolution of the gas into the molten metal when gallium was exposed to plasma, even at a low temperature of 100 °C. The experimental observations, when hydrogen was used, indicate that gallium acts as a …

Catalytic Oxidation And Depolymerization Of Lignin In Aqueous Ionic Liquid, Lalitendu Das, Siquan Xu, Jian Shi

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Lignin is an integral part of the plant cell wall, which provides rigidity to plants, also contributes to the recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic biomass to biochemical and biological deconstruction. Lignin is a promising renewable feedstock for aromatic chemicals; however, an efficient and economic lignin depolymerization method needs to be developed to enable the conversion. In this study, we investigated the depolymerization of alkaline lignin in aqueous 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [C₂C₁Im][OAc] under oxidizing conditions. Seven different transition metal catalysts were screened in presence of H₂O₂ as oxidizing agent in a batch reactor. CoCl₂ and …

Enhancements In Mass Transfer For Carbon Capture Solvents Part I: Homogeneous Catalyst, Leland R. Widger, Moushumi Sarma, Jonathan J. Bryant, David S. Mannel, Jesse G. Thompson, Cameron A. Lippert, Kunlei Liu

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty and Staff Publications

The novel small molecule carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimic [Co^III(Salphen-COO⁻)Cl]HNEt₃ (1), was synthesized as an additive for increasing CO₂ absorption rates in amine-based post-combustion carbon capture processes (CCS), and its efficacy was verified. 1 was designed for use in a kinetically slow but thermally stable blended solvent, containing the primary amines 1-amino-2-propanol (A2P) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). Together, the A2P/AMP solvent and 1 reduce the overall energy penalty associated with CO₂ capture from coal-derived flue gas, relative to the baseline solvent MEA. 1 is also effective at increasing absorption kinetics of kinetically fast solvents, such …

Recycling Mf Solid Waste Into Mesoporous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon With Iron Carbide Complex In Graphitic Layers As An Efficient Catalyst For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Can-Yun Zhao, Lin Huang, Yong You, Ying-Fang Yao, Xiao-Gang Su, Hong Wan, Jian-Guo Liu, Cong-Ping Wu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials with iron ions are known as catalytic growth agents for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells, but the design and synthesis of high-performance and low-cost catalysts still remain a significant challenge. Herein, we present a cost-effective approach to dispose of MF solid waste as the precursor for the synthesis of MCFes catalyst with the favorable structure features such as the high specific surface area, abundant active sites and suitable pore structure. The results showed that the MCFe-10/10/2 had specific surface area as high as 780.7 m²•g^-1 and high efficient catalytic activity comparable …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Microporous And Mesoporous Catalysts For Shale Gas Upgrading, Danesh Contractor, Ravi Joshi, Rajamani Gounder

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

The petroleum industry is gradually shifting from using naphtha to ethane as its feedstock and new ethane steam crackers are being built. Using ethane as a feedstock produces more ethene and less co-products such as propene, aromatics and C4 alkenes. Thus, the shift in feedstock will reduce the availability of these co-products. Developing methods for the interconversion of alkenes, and specifically using ethene as a reactant, can solve this problem.

This project focuses on synthesis and characterization of zeolites with the BEA framework topology, and their nickel exchanged versions as potential ethene dimerization catalysts. In future work, these materials will …

Preparation And Electrocatalytic Activity Of The Pt/Wc/Tio2 Composites, Chun-An Ma, Bin Yu, Mei-Qin Shi, Xiao-Ling Lang

Journal of Electrochemistry

TiO₂ was used as the support for preparation of Pt/WC/TiO₂ composite catalyst. The composites were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM methods. The electrocatalytical activity of Pt/WC/TiO₂ composite for oxidation of methanol was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Pt/WC/TiO₂ exhibited higher activity compared with that of Pt/TiO₂ and Pt/WC composite catalysts. Based on this we discussed the effects of crystal phases of TiO₂ on the electrocatalytical activity of Pt/WC/TiO₂ composite catalyst.

Comparison Of Catalytic Performance On Different Materials Supported Pd Catalysts For Formic Acid Oxidation, Su-Dong Yang, Yan-Yu Liang, Zhu-Liang Wen, Qi-Jun Song, Xiao-Gang Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Graphite oxide (GO) was prepared from by Hummers method. Then the graphene nanosheets supporting Pd catalysts were prepared by a single-step chemical reduction method. The electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation of the prepared Pd/graphene composite was studied as an electrode material in comparison with the composite catalysts based on the other carbons (MWCNTs, SWCNTs, and Vulcan XC-72 carbon black). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicated that the Pd nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of the graphene nanosheets with a small particle size. The electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid was studied by electrochemically active …