24.02.2013 Views

Heterogeneously Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions Using ... - CHEC

Heterogeneously Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions Using ... - CHEC

Heterogeneously Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions Using ... - CHEC

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

5.5 Conclusions<br />

5.5 Conclusions<br />

The phase behavior of ternary systems consisting of benzyl alcohol – O2 – CO2 and benzaldehyde –<br />

H2O – CO2 was modeled using the Cubic plus Association Equation of State. The predicted dew points<br />

were validated against experimental data measured at conditions relevant to the selective catalytic<br />

oxidation of benzyl alcohol in pressurized CO2 as a solvent. A good agreement between model and<br />

experimental dew point measurements was found. The pressure of dew points for substrate<br />

mixtures are in general higher than for the corresponding product mixtures implying that the optimal<br />

pressure is defined by the former mixtures. Since the dew point plays a crucial role in catalytic<br />

studies with pressurized CO2, the model was applied in the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The<br />

reaction rate was found to depend on the number of phases present in the reactor, the model thus<br />

supplying valuable information towards the optimal reaction conditions. The model further indicated<br />

that catalytic data especially at higher pressures than in previous studies are required. Biphasic<br />

conditions at pressures close to the dew point resulted in the highest reaction rate with toluene<br />

formed as a side product in noticeable amounts. When operated in a single phase, products from<br />

overoxidation became the dominating side products and long equilibration times where observed<br />

presumably due to surface blocking by benzoic acid. Under biphasic conditions, the organic substrate<br />

accumulated in the reactor (and also in the system in general) causing an enhanced substrate<br />

concentration and a longer residence time which needs to be investigated more thoroughly in the<br />

future.<br />

149

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!