Researchers at ExxonMobil and the Institute of Chemistry and Technology and the Research Center of Valencia University of Technology and the Spanish National Institute of Research (CSIC) have developed a new potential for greatly reducing energy consumption and emissions in ethylene synthesis Innovative materials.
The technology that combines this innovative material with other separation processes can reduce the amount of energy required to separate ethylene by nearly 25% at the current level and reduce the associated CO2 emissions.The results of this study have been published in Science, Magazine.
ExxonMobil and ITQ scientists have discovered a new class of materials that are formed from silicalite with a unique structure that can be used for gas separation techniques such as ethylene recovery from a gas stream containing ethylene and ethane. Microporous materials, zeolites are commonly used for catalysis and adsorption in chemical processes.It can be separated with high efficiency selectivity at ambient temperature using ITQ-55 zeolite.The results of the analysis can also be used to develop new materials that can be used as Membranes or adsorbents for different gas separation applications in the manufacture of chemical products.
'Cryogenic distillation is the current method of separating ethylene in commercial mode, a highly energy-intensive process that can significantly reduce the associated energy consumption and emissions in ethylene production if this new material is used in commercial production. Is another good example of a partnership between industry and academia with the goal of creating solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes. "- Vijay Swarup, Vice President, Research and Development, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering
As ethylene is an important part of the manufacture of commonly used plastics and chemical products, an alternative technology that separates ethylene from ethane at low energy consumption has become a very active area of research. Although chemical manufacturers have been reluctant to include innovative adsorbents and separators Technology, a large number of alternatives to cryogenic distillation have been evaluated, but most of the alternative technologies have been limited due to inefficiencies and selectivity and regenerated sorbents will become uncut if they are used less due to the presence of contaminants actual.
Due to its unique flexible and porous structure, the new ITQ-55 material offers the potential to selectively separate ethylene from ethane, a new type of material consisting of flexible, macrocell-connected, heart-shaped cells that allow only flat ethylene molecules to pass through Round ethane molecules are blocked, so innovative materials function like a flexible molecular sieve.
'ITQ-55 is a very interesting material that, due to its unique pore size, topography, flexibility and chemical composition, forms a highly stable, chemically inert material that can adsorb and filter off ethane. Feel excited about this finding and hope to continue working with ExxonMobil for further cooperation. "- Avelino Corma, co-author of Research and CSIC Research Professor
Much more needs to be done before large-scale commercial innovation materials are available, and more research will focus on how to incorporate materials into the membranes of industrial applications while also creating advanced materials for gas separation.
"The ultimate replacement of cryogenic distillation has been a long-term challenge for us and requires more research and experimentation both inside and outside the laboratory, and our next step will be to focus on a better understanding of the potential of this new zeolitic material." - Gary Casty, Head of Catalysis, Research and Engineering at Keswick,
The energy needs of global chemical plants are around 8% of global energy demand and this demand is expected to reach 15% by 2040. The demand for petrochemical by-products such as building materials, consumer products, electronic equipment, etc., as the world's population and living standards improve Will also increase.Exxon Mobil's goal is to improve industrial performance to meet the growing global energy demand, while reducing the impact on the environment.