(18b) Carbon Membrane Reactor for Alkane Dehydrogenation

Light alkanes, the main constituent of natural gas and shale gas, are deemed to be alternative sources to replace crude oil to produce chemicals and fuels. Direct non-oxidative alkane conversion has been recognized as a single-step technology that directly convert alkanes to olefins, higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen. Low alkane conversion, high energy input and low catalyst durability, due to endothermic reaction nature and coke formation, are main challenges. In this presentation, I would like to talk our recent work in carbon membrane reactors that solve the thermodynamic and kinetic challenges in alkane dehydrogenation to achieve high conversion, high product yield, negligible coke formation and system’s long-term stability. These consequences originate from the removal of hydrogen co-product by hydrogen separation membranes to right shift the reaction towards high conversion. The elimination of coke formation achieved via design of subnanometer catalysts and lowering operation temperature in the membrane reactor, which enables alkane activation and suppresses the following secondary and following on reaction steps towards coke formation. The developed membrane reactors show great economic viability for practical industrial applications.