Authors:

Nina A Borkowski

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The majority of current energy production methods rely on non-renewable sources, making it crucial to develop a clean, easily replicable energy alternative. This work focuses on propene oligomerization, which is a key intermediate step in the conversion of shale gas resources to higher molecular weight products for transportation fuel resources. The process involves flowing propene through zeolite catalysts, which are known for their highly porous, crystalline structure, and shape selectivity. H-MFI zeolites are used for propene oligomerization because of their thermal stability, resistance to coke deactivation, and commercial availability. This research focuses on synthesizing zeolites by adjusting synthesis parameters to control crystal size and aluminum distribution within the zeolite framework, which has been proposed to affect rates and selectivity. The parameters altered include organic structure-directing agents (SDAs), water content, and silicalite seed amounts. The choice of SDA affects aluminum distribution in the framework, while water and silicalite seed content influence crystal size. In this work, three different organic SDAs are used: 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), dipropylamine (DPA), and tetrapropylammonium (TPA). Recipes with DABCO and TPA had varying water contents, while MFI-DPA varied silicate seed amounts. Preliminary data from x-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, elemental analysis, dynamic light scattering, and temperature-programmed desorption experiments shows that the synthesized samples have H-MFI framework with varying molar ratios and effective crystal diameters. This research aims to optimize the synthesis of H-MFI zeolites for more efficient catalytic conversion of shale gas resources, contributing to the development of sustainable energy sources. Keywords: Zeolite; Synthesis; Proton Siting; Crystal Size; Oligomerization

Source:

Purdue University / 2024

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Co-authors:

Nina A Borkowski