Catalytic membrane reactor for the production of biofuels

Dalia Liuzzi, Francisco José Pérez-Alonso*, José Luis G. Fierro, Sergio Rojas, Frank L. Van Wijk, Ivo Roghair, Martin Van Sint Annaland, Ekain Fernandez, Jose Luis Viviente, D. A.Pacheco Tanaka

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The H2-distributed feeding concept using Pd/Ag-based membranes and an Ru-based catalyst in a Packed Bed Membrane Reactor (H2-PBMR) for the synthesis of biofuels via the so-called Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis has been demonstrated. The most successful approach resulted when H2-poor syngas (H2/CO = 1) typically obtained from the gasification of biomass was fed directly through the reaction chamber, i.e., to the catalyst bed, whereas the H2 needed to reach the proper stoichiometry for the FTS (H2/CO = 2) was admitted, and properly distributed, into the catalyst bed through the Pd/Ag-based membrane by flowing H2/He mixtures at the retentate side of the membrane. Under the optimum reaction conditions, the CO conversion measured with the H2-distributed feeding concept is lower than that obtained in a conventional Packed Bed Reactor with H2/CO = 2 (37.9 vs 50.7%), but significantly higher than that obtained in a conventional reactor with H2/CO = 1 (14.1%). Remarkably, the productivity towards high-molecular hydrocarbons increases by almost 70% and the methane production decreases by one order of magnitude when using the H2-distributed feeding concept in a Packed Bed Membrane Reactor.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-45
Number of pages9
JournalCatalysis Today
Volume268
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2016

Funding

The research under this project is receiving funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme ( FP7/2007-2013 ) under grant agreement NMP3-LA.2011-262840 (DEMCAMER). Note: “The present publication reflects only the authors’ views and the Union in not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein”

FundersFunder number
Seventh Framework ProgrammeNMP3-LA.2011-262840, 262840
Seventh Framework Programme

    Keywords

    • 1D model
    • Biofuels
    • Fischer Tropsch
    • Hydrogen
    • Membrane Reactors
    • Ruthenium

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