In-situ Spectroscopy for Reaction Kinetics

by Z. Liu, I. Hamad, Y. Li, Y. Chen, S. Wang, S. Crossley, F. Jentoft

Work was performed at: The University of Oklahoma and The University of Tulsa

Scientific Achievement

A special autoclave with in-situ spectroscopic probes (IR, Raman, and UV/Vis) was designed, built and used to study real time hydrogenation of phenols and cresols for bio-oil upgrading.

In-situ Spectroscopy for Reaction Kinetics.Upper:Images of reactor with spectroscopic probes. Middle: In-situ ATR-IR spectra of phenol hydrogenation.

Figures: Upper:Images of reactor with spectroscopic probes. Middle: In-situ ATR-IR spectra of phenol hydrogenation

Significance and Impact

The selective conversion of lignin-derived phenolic compounds is one of the great challenges associated with the upgrading of bio oil. The presence of ketone intermediates provides insight into the role of solvent on their desorption and mechanism of conversion. In-situ spectroscopy allows the detailed study of these intermediates.

Research Details

  • Some oxygenates can decompose and deactivate the hydrogenation of phenols over Pt, Pd and Ni catalysts.
  • The solvent (water vs. oil) has a strong effect on the reaction pathway and selectivity in hydrogenation of cresols over Pt catalysts.
  • DFT calculations (from TU) provide atomic-scale understanding of the adsorption geometry, competitive adsorption, and role of solvent in hydrogenation of phenolic compounds.

 

 

 

In-situ Spectroscopy for Reaction Kinetics.Concentration profiles evolved from IR spectra.
Figure:Concentration profiles evolved from IR spectra

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Highlights

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Collaborations among:

The University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Univerisy

The Univerisy of Tulsa

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© 2010 Center for Interfacial Reaction Engineering, The University of Oklahoma. All rights reserved.