Enhanced catalytic activity and stability of nanoshaped Ni/CeO2 for CO2 methanation in micro-monoliths

Modeling and experimental analysis of CO2 methanation reaction using Ni/CeO2 monolithic catalyst

In this study, the effect of the cell density of monolithic catalysts was investigated and further mathematically modeled on cordierite supports used in CO2 methanation. Commercial cordierite monoliths with 200, 400, and 500 cpsi cell densities were coated by immersion into an ethanolic suspension of Ni/CeO2 active phase. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that, owing to the low porosity of cordierite (surface area < 1 m2 g-1), the Ni/CeO2 diffusion into the walls was limited, especially in the case of low and intermediate cell density monoliths; thus, active phase was predominantly loaded onto the channels' external surface. Nevertheless, despite the larger exposed surface area in the monolith with high cell density, which would allow for better distribution and accessibility of Ni/CeO2, its higher macro-pore volume resulted in some introduction of the active phase into the walls. As a result, the catalytic evaluation showed that it was more influenced by increments in volumetric flow rates. The low cell density monolith displayed diffusional control at flow rates below 500 mL min-1. In contrast, intermediate and high cell density monoliths presented this behavior up to 300 mL min-1. These findings suggest that the interaction reactants-catalyst is considerably more affected by a forced non-uniform flow when increasing the injection rate. This condition reduced the transport of reactants and products within the catalyst channels and, in turn, increased the minimum temperature required for the reaction. Moreover, a slight diminution of selectivity to CH4 was observed and ascribed to the possible formation of hot spots that activate the reverse water-gas shift reaction. Finally, a mathematical model based on fundamental momentum and mass transfer equations coupled with the kinetics of CO2 methanation was successfully derived and solved to analyze the fluid dynamics of the monolithic support. The results showed a radial profile with maximum fluid velocity located at the center of the channel. A reactive zone close to the inlet was obtained, and maximum methane production (4.5 mol m-3) throughout the monolith was attained at 350 °C. Then, linear streamlines of the chemical species were developed along the channel.

Sponge-like CoNi Catalysts Synthesized by Combustion of Reactive Solutions: Stability and Performance for CO2 Hydrogenation

Active and stable catalysts are essential for effective hydrogenation of gaseous CO₂ into valuable chemicals. This work focuses on the structural and catalytic features of single metals, i.e., Co and Ni, as well as bimetallic CoNi alloy catalysts synthesized via combustion of reactive sol-gels. Different characterization methods were used for studying the relationships between the structure, composition, and catalytic activity of the fabricated materials. All catalysts exhibited highly porous sponge-like microstructure. The outermost surfaces of the CoNi alloys were more saturated with Co, while a stoichiometric Co/Ni ratio was observed for the particle’s bulk. Catalytic properties of the as-synthesized powders were studied in the CO₂ hydrogenation reaction at 300 °C for over 80 h of time on stream. All the catalysts demonstrated exceptional selectivity with respect to CH₄ formation. However, the combination of elemental Co and Ni in a single phase resulted in a synergistic effect in bulk alloy catalysts, with activity twofold to threefold that of single-metal catalysts. The activity and stability of the CoNi₃ catalyst were higher than those previously reported for Ni-based catalysts. The reasons for this behavior are discussed.

Recent Advances in Greener and Energy Efficient Alkene Epoxidation Processes

The chemical industry is considered to be one of the largest consumers of energy in the manufacturing sector. As the cost of energy is rising rapidly, coupled with the increasingly stringent standards for the release of harmful chemicals and gases into the environment, more attention is now focused on developing energy efficient chemical processes that could significantly reduce both operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Alkene epoxidation is an important chemical process as the resultant epoxides are highly reactive compounds that are used as platform chemicals for the production of commercially important products for flavours, fragrances, paints and pharmaceuticals. A number of epoxidation methods have been developed over the past decade with the ultimate aim of minimising waste generation and energy consumption. In this review paper, some of the recent advances in epoxides synthesis using energy efficient processes are discussed. The epoxidation methods may provide sustainability in terms of environmental impact and energy consumption.

The Route from Green H2 Production through Bioethanol Reforming to CO2 Catalytic Conversion: A Review

Currently, a progressively different approach to the generation of power and the production of fuels for the automotive sector as well as for domestic applications is being taken. As a result, research on the feasibility of applying renewable energy sources to the present energy scenario has been progressively growing, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following more than one approach, the integration of renewables mainly involves the utilization of biomass-derived raw material and the combination of power generated via clean sources with conventional power generation systems. The aim of this review article is to provide a satisfactory overview of the most recent progress in the catalysis of hydrogen production through sustainable reforming and CO2 utilization. In particular, attention is focused on the route that, starting from bioethanol reforming for H2 production, leads to the use of the produced CO2 for different purposes and by means of different catalytic processes, passing through the water–gas shift stage. The newest approaches reported in the literature are reviewed, showing that it is possible to successfully produce “green” and sustainable hydrogen, which can represent a power storage technology, and its utilization is a strategy for the integration of renewables into the power generation scenario. Moreover, this hydrogen may be used for CO2 catalytic conversion to hydrocarbons, thus giving CO2 added value.