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Development of a bifunctional hierarchically structured zeolite based nano-catalyst using 3D-technology for direct conversion of methane into aromatic hydrocarbons via methane dehydroaromatization

Project description

High-efficiency bi-functional catalyst for methane conversion into high-value chemicals

The EU-funded ZEOCAT-3D project proposes an alternative to the current production methods of aromatics. This pioneering process involves obtaining high-value chemicals (such as benzene and naphthalene) from methane sources like biogas and natural gas through an improved catalytic process called methane dehydroaromatisation (MDA). The project will introduce the use of hierarchical zeolite structures synthesised by 3D-printing to overcome the drawbacks of low methane conversion, low selectivity, and quick deactivation due to carbon deposition onto the catalyst. The methodology of the project will go from laboratory to pilot-scale demonstration in a real environment.

Objective

The goal of the project ZEOCAT-3D is the development of a new bi-functional (two types of active centers) structured catalysts, achieving for the first time a tetramodal pore size distribution (micro-, meso1-, meso2-, macro-porous) and high dispersion of metal active sites for the conversion of methane, coming from different sources as natural gas and biogas, into high value chemicals such as aromatics (benzene, naphthalene, among others) via methane dehydroaromatization (MDA). The main drawbacks associated with this process are: Low methane conversion, low selectivity towards the desired products and the quickly deactivation due to carbon deposition onto catalyst. These problems will be overcome by the use of hierarchical zeolites structures synthetized by 3D-printing and loaded with doped molybdenum nano-oxides. The methodology of the project will go from laboratory to pilot scale demonstration in a real environment. Catalyst design and operation conditions will be optimized for different methane feedstock at lab-scale and then upscaling and construction of a final prototype will be carried out. The optimisation of these catalytic processes will bring enormous advantages for increasing the exploitation of natural gas and biogas, since ZEOCAT-3D is very well in accordance with the programme topic NMBP-24, regarding development industrial process to obtain high value chemicals at the same time that the dependence from the current fossil fuel is reduced.

Call for proposal

H2020-NMBP-ST-IND-2018-2020

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Sub call

H2020-NMBP-ST-IND-2018

Coordinator

IDENER TECHNOLOGIES SL
Net EU contribution
€ 807 500,00
Address
CALLE EARLY OVINGTON 4 NAVE 8
41300 LA RINCONADA (SEVILLA)
Spain

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Sur Andalucía Sevilla
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost
€ 807 500,00

Participants (19)