Direct Conversion of Ethane to Oxygenates, Ethylene, and Hydrogen in a Noncatalytic Biphasic Plasma Microreactor

Cameli, Fabio; Dimitrakellis, Panagiotis; Vlachos, Dionisios G.

doi:10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01594

Title: Direct Conversion of Ethane to Oxygenates, Ethylene, and Hydrogen in a Noncatalytic Biphasic Plasma Microreactor

Journal Article · 15 May 2023 · ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01594 · OSTI ID:2007401

^[1]; Dimitrakellis, Panagiotis ^[2];

^[2]

University of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States)
University of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States); Delaware Energy Institute (DEI), Newark, DE (United States)

We selectively upgrade ethane (C₂H₆) to ethanol (C₂H₅OH), methanol (CH₃OH), and acetic acid (CH₃COOH) in a catalyst-free, continuous, argon/water biphasic plasma microreactor. The water (H₂O) evaporates and electron- dissociates into OH· radicals. OH· recombines with alkyl radicals, produced via electron dissociation of ethane, to generate the oxygenates that absorb into H₂O. A plasma-assisted path, reminiscent of the low-temperature thermocatalytic ethane steam reforming, leads to significant H₂ coproduction. The gaseous stream also comprises CO₂ and C₂H₄. Up to 1.3 and 1 μmol min^–1 of liquid C₂H₅OH and CH₃OH are attained, respectively. Compared to CO₂-assisted ethane plasma conversion, which produces many oxygenates with low selectivity, the carbon selectivity can range from >70% C₂H₅OH, CH₃OH, and CH₃COOH to 60% C₂H₄. Furthermore, the low carbon footprint, electrified, modular, intensified process using a reactive evaporation and separation plasma could pave the way for the valorization of underutilized shale gas resources in remote areas.

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Research Organization:: RAPID Manufacturing Institute, New York, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0007888

OSTI ID:: 2007401

Journal Information:: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, Vol. 11, Issue 21; ISSN 2168-0485

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Gas-to-liquid transformation
liquid fuels
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modular reactors
nonthermal plasma

Title: Direct Conversion of Ethane to Oxygenates, Ethylene, and Hydrogen in a Noncatalytic Biphasic Plasma Microreactor

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References (38)

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