CO2 hydrogenation to methanol with an innovative Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst: Experimental tests and process modeling. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lombardelli, Giorgia; Mureddu, Mauro; Lai, Sarah; Ferrara, Francesca; Pettinau, Alberto; Atzori, Luciano; Conversano, Antonio; Gatti, Manuele
• Is Part Of: Journal of CO₂ utilization. Volume 65(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: CO2 utilization -- Methanol synthesis -- Process modeling -- CO2 hydrogenation -- Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst -- Experimental test; Carbon dioxide -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects; Carbon dioxide mitigation; Periodicals; 628.53205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-9820

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, an innovative Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and H2 into methanol is tested at laboratory scale (0.5 g of catalyst into a cylindrical fixed bed reactor, with 9.1 mm internal diameter). Fourteen experimental tests are performed under isothermal conditions (T = 250 °C), covering a range of pressure (3.0–7.0 MPa), Gas Hourly Space Velocity (4000–13, 000 h -1 ) and H2 /CO2 molar ratio (between 3 and 6) relevant to industrial applications, with or without CO in the feed mixture, with flow-rates ranging between 200 and 650 NmL min -1 . Based on the established Graaf's kinetic model, new kinetic parameters are calibrated and a plug-flow model of the isothermal reactor is implemented and simulated in Aspen Plus. A reasonable agreement between experimental data and calibrated model is achieved, with deviations lower than 10% of the measured flow rates for each species in the product stream. CO2 conversion up to 26% and methanol yields up to 13% are obtained during the test campaign (test run #12). The model represents a valid tool for future research or engineering studies targeting the design and performance assessment of demo/full-scale CO2 -to-methanol synthesis processes based on the Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst introduced in this paper. Highlights: Lab-scale tests of CO2 -to-methanol synthesis over a novel Cu/Zn/Al/Zr catalyst. Fourteen isothermal experiments (T = 250 °C), with pressure from 3 to 7 MPa. Graaf's kinetic model adopted and new kinetic parameters calibrated on test data. Aspen Plus plug flow model of the methanol synthesis reactor calibrated. Experimental CO2 conversion from 6% to 26% and methanol yields from 3% to 13%.