Our study used HZSM-5 (a zeolite catalyst) in the catalytic dehydration of ethanol to form ethylene, focusing on using aqueous feedstocks. The reaction was studied in both the liquid and vapor phase using a micro flow reactor. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Our results suggest that ethanol conversion is not significantly affected by the addition of water in either phase. However, vapor phase has consistently higher ethanol conversion than in the liquid phase. The addition of water had a strong, positive correlation with ethylene yield in liquid phase ethanol dehydration. Our data suggests water improved ethylene selectivity in the liquid phase. To explain this phenomenon, we suggest a mechanism in which water reduces ethanol dimerization at zeolite active sites.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Filteau, Jeremy
• DeRosier, Andersen

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042518-133343

Advisor

• Timko, Michael T.

Year

• 2018

Date created

• 2018-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright