Plasma-Assisted Molecular Activation and Conversion of Light Hydrocarbons to Aromatics
Abstract
Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges for vessels at sea is the ability to produce fuelon-board with the limited resources available. Progress has been made to convert dissolved CO2in seawater to hydrocarbons through the reverse water gas shift reaction followed byFischer-Tropsch chemistry to form liquid hydrocarbons. The product distribution fromFischer-Tropsch technology is a strong function of catalyst type and process conditions, wherethe light end hydrocarbons (C1-C9) selectivity can reach 50% at an alpha value of ~0.84following a Shultz-Flory distribution. However, a significant portion of the hydrocarbon streamis unusable as a jet fuel. The development of carbon efficient transformations of lighthydrocarbons to directly produce aromatics or higher molecular weight products for fuelblending remains a critical need.The PIs propose to develop a modular and flexible non-thermal plasma-assisted, catalyticprocess that can convert saturated light hydrocarbons (and mixtures of hydrocarbons) directly toaromatics, providing value to anotherwise undesired hydrocarbon source. We hypothesize thatcareful control of plasma properties coupled with appropriate catalyst selection will generatenon-thermal intermediates and open surface kinetic pathways at low temperature and ambientpressure to facilitate high production rates of aromatics.In this proposal, the PIs propose two specific Objectives to address this grand challenge. ThePIswill characterize the non-thermal plasma and identify plasma-phase reaction pathways to providefundamental insight into the activation of light hydrocarbons under plasma stimulation(Objective 1). The PIs will incorporate knowledge of plasma-phase reactions in Objective 1 withcatalyst screening and reactor configuration studies (Objective 2). The PIs will thoroughlyinterrogate the plasma-assisted catalytic system, exploiting expertise in both experiment andmodeling of these systems, to selectively produce aromatics froma hydrocarbon feed stream.Taken together, the objectives in this proposal are cross-cutting through the application of plasmadesign, catalyst design, and reactor design strategies to achieve the overall project goals.The successful completion of this project could have a profound impact on the modularproduction of jet fuels from non-traditional feedstocks. The proposed research is directly inlinewith the needs of the Naval Research Laboratory and meets the requirements in the Long RangeBroad Agency Announcement (BAA) forNavy and Marine Corps Science and Technology.Further, the assembled team encompasses the diverse skill sets and backgrounds (catalystsynthesis and evaluation under non-thermal plasma stimulation, plasma physics and chemistry,atomistic and microkinetic modeling) necessary to achieve the project objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312445
Entities
People
- Jason C Hicks
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Notre Dame