A low content Au-based catalyst for hydrochlorination of C2H2 and its industrial scale-up for future PVC processes. Issue 1 (23rd September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Kai; Jia, Jinchao; Li, Chunhua; Xu, Hao; Zhou, Jun; Luo, Guohua; Wei, Fei
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 17:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2014-09-23
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c4gc00795f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : China has the world's largest polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production capacity, comprising over 20 Mt a −1 and occupying 41% of the world production capacity. Abstract : China has the world's largest polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production capacity, comprising over 20 Mt a −1 and occupying 41% of the world production capacity. However, the production of the PVC monomer, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), faces unsustainable development due to mercury problems. Over 70% of VCM in mainland China is synthesized through hydrochlorination of C2 H2 catalyzed by HgCl2 . Mercury and its compounds escaping from the reactors have high chronic toxicity, which is harmful to the environment and to people's health. Therefore, developing a novel mercury-free catalyst is crucial for maintaining a green production of PVC in China. This paper shows a novel low content Au-based catalyst by complexing Au with thiocyanate (–SCN). This chemical complex significantly decreases the electrode potential of Au 3+ from 0.926 V to 0.662 V, and hence reduces the probability of its reduction by C2 H2 . The catalyst preserves a high turnover frequency of 5.9 s −1 based on Au, and over 3000 h testing of a 4 t a −1 pilot-trial shows its promising reactivity (>95%) and selectivity (>99%). Compared with the conventional HgCl2 catalyst, this novel Au catalyst has better reactivity, stability, environmental friendliness and lower toxicity, making it promising for the sustainable development of China's PVC industry.