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Characterization and Development of a Ag/ZrO2/SiO2 Catalyst for the Conversion of Bio-derived Ethanol to Linear Butenes


EMSL Project ID
50609

Abstract

The overall objective of this study is to further investigate a recent catalyst innovation enabling the selective, single step conversion of bio-derived ethanol to 1- and 2-butene (linear butenes). We intend to advance the technology through new catalyst concepts and better understand the mechanism through advanced characterizations. We aim to do this by addressing the following two areas:
1) Perform advanced catalyst characterization of the Ag/ZrO2/SiO2 catalyst to gain fundamental understanding of the catalytic structure thus enabling butene formation. Specifically, in-situ NMR experiments will assist in providing mechanistic insights. Computational simulations using models developed in FY18 will assist with improving catalyst design. Complimentary tools including XRD and HRTEM will provide physio-chemical properties of catalyst before and after reaction.
2) Increasing selectivity to butene formation, and improving catalytic durability are the two catalyst design objectives in FY19. Optimizing Ag metal loading and particle size, and acidity of the catalyst, done in part by adjusting ZrO2, loading are key design variables. Combined experimental and theoretical tools will be utilized to assist with development efforts.

Project Details

Start Date
2018-10-24
End Date
2019-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Robert Dagle
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Simuck Yuk
Institution
United States Military Academy

Austin Winkelman
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Stephen Davidson
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Malsoon Lee
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Libor Kovarik
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Roger Rousseau
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Vanessa Dagle
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Related Publications

Dagle V., R.A. Dagle, L. Kovarik, F. Baddour, S. Habas, and R.T. Elander. 2019. "Single-step Conversion of Methyl Ethyl Ketone to Olefins over ZnxZryOz Catalysts in Water." ChemCatChem 11, no. 15:3393-3400. PNNL-SA-140968. doi:10.1002/cctc.201900292