Catalytic partial oxidation of ethanol on alumina-supported rhodium catalysts: An experimental study

The catalytic partial oxidation of ethanol is experimentally studied over an alumina rhodium coated monolithic honeycomb catalyst at short contact times. The product distribution is analyzed as function of carbon-to-oxygen ratio (C/O) for two different space velocities by a variety of simultaneously applied methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, sector mass spectrometry, paramagnetic gas analyzer and gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Low C/O resulted in highly selective synthesis gas production, whereas by-products like methane, ethylene, acetaldehyde and diethyl ether became eminent with increasing C/O.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (102 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ CPOX of ethanol on rhodium leads to high hydrogen yields at low C/O feed. ▶ Ethylen, diethyl ether and acetaldehyd are major products at high C/O feed. ▶ Complex behaviour around C/O of 1.20 is related to coke formation. ▶Homogeneous conversion in the gas-phase can be neglected.