2023 AIChE Annual Meeting

(104b) Microwave-Assisted, Performance-Advantaged Direct Propane Dehydrogenation

Authors

Cong Wang, University of Delware
Kavel Chaitanya Ajit, Indian Institute of Technology
Kewei Yu, University of Delaware
Reyes Mallada, University of Zaragoza
Jesus Santamaria, University of Zaragoza
Esun Selvam, University of Delaware
Ignacio Julian, University of Zaragoza
Jose M. Catala-Civera, Instituto de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (ITACA)
Weiqing Zheng, University of Delaware
Dionisios Vlachos, University of Delaware - Catalysis Center For Ener
Himanshu Goyal, Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) produces on-site propylene, a valuable chemical feedstock. Although widely used, its efficiency is limited due to moderate selectivity and significant catalyst deactivation, which makes it operate at lower-than-ideal temperatures. This results in high energy consumption and significant pollution in the chemical industry. We demonstrate that employing microwave (MW) heating with PtSn/SiO2 catalyst pellets in a SiC monolith, acting as a MW susceptor and heat distributor, can enhance the process while maintaining conditions comparable to traditional reactors. Continuous tests show that the MW reactor remains active and stable at 500°C without the co-feeding hydrogen. At higher temperatures, feed concentrations, and with increased space velocity, MW-heated catalysts exhibit remarkable coke resistance, high activity, and exceptional selectivity, unlike conventionally heated reactors that suffer from severe deactivation. Gas-solid temperature gradients are investigated computationally, and nanoscale temperature discrepancies help elucidate the distinct coke formation mechanisms between the heating methods. This strategy highlights the immense potential of electrifying catalytic reactions for eco-friendly chemical production.