optimisation of reaction conditions tailored to specific production targets. This includes the ability to accommodate variations in feedstock composition, such as the H₂O/ ethanol ratio. Real-time adjustability enhances the understanding of reaction pathways and product distributions, which is critical for improving selectivity, yield, and overall process robustness and efficiency. The application of mixed reactor dimensions further extends the broad range of catalyst masses and volumes to be tested in parallel. Importantly, the technological approach is transferable to other emerging ethanol conversion routes, including the synthesis of higher alcohols and esters ( Dagle, et al., 2020 ). The extensive analytical database serves as a powerful resource for future studies and process development. By identifying key factors for enhancing catalyst performance and process efficiency, this work not only supports the development of more sustainable and economically viable chemical production routes but also reinforces the role of ethanol as a versatile and economically viable feedstock for the generation of green chemical intermediates and end products. “ Real-time adjustability enhances the understanding of reaction pathways and product distributions, which is critical for improving selectivity, yield, and overall process robustness and efficiency ”
Recoveries vs. C onversion (all c atalysts)
Mass
Carbon
110
+– 10% +– 5%
+– 10% +– 5%
100
90
Hydrogen
Oxygen
110
+– 10% +– 5%
+– 10% +– 5%
100
90
0
50
100 0
50
100
Conversion (%)
oxygenate conversion routes, such as methanol- to-hydrocarbons ( Haas, et al., 2019 ). Summary and outlook This study on the catalytic conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde and ethylene provides valuable insight into how such industrial processes can be optimised for greater efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging hte’s high throughput experimentation technology, comprehensive catalyst screening was completed within just 19 days, demonstrating the ability to rapidly generate high-quality data and swiftly adapt to evolving market demands and technological developments. Beyond parameter screening (discussed in this article), the experimental campaign included catalyst stability assessments through the repetition of selected baseline conditions and time-on- stream (TOS) studies, as well as investigations into coke formation, burn-off behaviour, and regeneration performance (not shown in this article). These capabilities are essential for evaluating long-term catalyst performance under realistic process conditions. hte’s flexible unit design enables the simultaneous evaluation of multiple catalysts and process parameters, allowing for the Figure 5 Mass balance and recovery for the elements carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen during ethanol conversion, tested in the 16-fold high throughput unit. Typically, all recoveries are closed within 100 ± 5%, highlighting the powerful online GC analytics available at hte
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Matthias Stehle
Maurice Moll
Charlotte Langheck
Benjamin Mutz
www.decarbonisationtechnology.com
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