Chemical synthesis via chemical looping
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Abstract
Presently, the chemical industry relies on fossil-fuels, mainly crude oil. Changing the feedstock may require changing the synthesis process. It has been proposed that chemical looping processes could be adapted from use in combustion for use in partial oxidation reactions (as extensively studied at Cambridge) or chemical synthesis (e.g., ammonia). So far, this new approach with chemical looping has only been demonstrated on a small scale for the production of ethylene oxide or ammonia. As such, there remains a need for both fundamental research, and design work, as the mechanism for solid-based production of oxygen- or nitrogen-containing chemicals is not well understood. This Ph.D. would cover materials
selection to determine the optimal solid carriers, investigation of whether a fluidised bed reactor design could be used to operate these processes on a larger scale, and integration of these processes into a reactor network to allow for future pilot plant testing.
selection to determine the optimal solid carriers, investigation of whether a fluidised bed reactor design could be used to operate these processes on a larger scale, and integration of these processes into a reactor network to allow for future pilot plant testing.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513180/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2376181 | Studentship | EP/R513180/1 | 01/10/2020 | 31/07/2024 | Alexander Harrison |
| EP/T517847/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2376181 | Studentship | EP/T517847/1 | 01/10/2020 | 31/07/2024 | Alexander Harrison |
| Description | As part of this award, two main scientific developments have been found: -Selective formation of the value-added product propan-1-ol from propylene may be achieved using chemical looping, by passing propylene over Ag, AgCl, and Au catalysts supported on SrFeO3, and then subsequently reoxisiding the oxygen carrier with air. This is a novel chemical looping process, and our work provided insights into the possible surface reaction mechanisms, allowing for potential refinement of the catalyst system to produce propylene oxide from propylene, a more valueable product yet. -Addition of Ag, and, or CeO2 to the surface or bulk of SrFeO3 subtantially improves the ease of oxygen release, in terms of decreasing the minimum temperature requirement for oxygen uncoupling, and increasing the rate of oxygen release. Hence, such materials may be applied for air separation to produce high-purity oxygen, and, or, as oxygen carriers for chemical looping oxidation processes. |
| Exploitation Route | The research performed using this funding may be used by others in the design of oxygen carriers and catalysts for chemical looping processes, including selective oxidation, to aid development of novel processes able to be operated at relatively mild conditions. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Henry Royce Institute for advanced materials through the Equipment Access Scheme |
| Amount | £5,500 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | CAM-YR7-UI-029 |
| Organisation | Henry Royce Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| Description | Researcher Development Grant for Conference Travel |
| Amount | £500 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | D22-2121821262 |
| Organisation | Royal Society of Chemistry |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2022 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | Oral presentation at ACS Fall 2022 Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ~20 researchers and postgraduate students attended a presentation on our research work into formation of propan-1-ol from propylene via chemical looping, resulting in questions and discussion regarding how to explore the reaction mechanism further, with the possibility of collaboration with other research groups. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.1021/scimeetings.2c00425 |
| Description | Oral presentation at the 6th Chemical Looping Conference, 2022 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A presentation was delivered on our research work regarding modification of SrFeO3 to enhance ease of oxygen release to a conference audience comprised of experts in the fields. The audience engaged strongly with the presentation, asking several pertinent questions and helping develop the research towards eventual publication. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.chemical-looping2020.com/index.php?idpagina=13&idioma=ang |