Reactive separation of ethylene from the effluent gas of methane oxidative coupling via alkylation of benzene to ethylbenzene on ZSM-5

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 64; no. 12; pp. 2773 - 2780
• Main Authors: Graf, P.O., Lefferts, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Benzene alkylation; Catalysis; Catalytic reactions; Chemical engineering; Chemical processes; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Oxidative coupling; Reactive ethylene separation; Reactors; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Zeolites; Reactive ethylene separation; Chemical processes; Catalysis; Oxidative coupling; Zeolites; Benzene alkylation; Stability; Combined process; Carbon dioxide; Zeolite; Alkylation; Steam reforming; Catalyst
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2009.02.031

Separation of ethylene from the effluent gas of oxidative coupling has been a challenging issue for several years. In a combined process of oxidative coupling and reforming of methane, reactive separation of ethylene via alkylation of benzene to ethylbenzene (EB) is a promising option. Ethylene was successfully converted to the useful chemical intermediate EB using ZSM-5. Yields of EB up to 90% were found at more than 95% conversion and more than 90% selectivity at 360 °C. Methane and ethane present in the feed were not converted and can be used for steam reforming in the proposed reaction concept. None of the additional components present in the effluent gas of oxidative coupling (CO, CO 2, CH 4, C 2H 6 and H 2O) influences activity or selectivity of the alkylation catalyst. Stability of ZSM-5 is also not influenced by the added components, with the exception of water, which even increases stability.