Zeolite Catalysts for converting agricultural and silica/alumina wastes into industrial catalysts

We initiated a new pilot-scale concept to transform wastes such as agricultural wastes and silica/alumina wastes into industrial catalysts. Various hierarchical zeolite frameworks were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process, such as LTA, FAU, ZSM-5, MOR, and FER, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Illustration of the concept to transform agricultural wastes and sand into various types of zeolites.

To develop industrial catalysts, we demonstrated the rational design of binder-free hierarchical ZSM-5 monolith derived from zeolite@layered double hydroxides (LDH) composites via extrusion and 3D printing technologies has been demonstrated (Figure 2). For example, the designer catalyst applied in bioethanol dehydration boosts ethylene yield to over 96% due to the synergistic effect of zeolites and LDHs. This is the first example illustrating the design of highly efficient catalysts, which can be applied directly in industrial applications. We also illustrated the application of designer catalysts for bioethanol dehydration to ethylene at a pilot-plant scale. This opens up new perspectives for industrial catalyst design for bioethanol upgrading.

Figure 2. Illustration of the elaboration of binder-free hierarchical zeolite pellets or monoliths (Chem. Commun., 2022,58, 9618-962).

Contact Us

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chularat Wattanakit (Team leader)

Email :  chularat.w@vistec.ac.th

X : AMPM_PHCC (@AMPM_PHCC)

GPS : 13.001580, 101.443425

Address:

School of Energy Science and Engineering (ESE)

Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC)

Wangchan Valley 555 Moo 1 Payupnai, Wangchan, Rayong 21210 Thailand

For more information, please visit our website at:

https://phcc.vistec.ac.th/joomla/index.php/research/pilot-plant-main